Indian
Coast Guard, in yet another successful search and rescue operation at
sea, has rescued missing Tamil Nadu fishing boat ‘Mercedes’ in a massive
search operation launched since April 24, 2021 at a distance of about
1,100 kms (590 miles) from Goa. With 11 crew, the fishing boat had
sailed for deep sea fishing West of Kerala on April 06, 2021 for 30 days
voyage from Thengapattanam Fishing harbour in Tamil Nadu. On April 24,
2021, the Tamil Nadu Fisheries authorities intimated regarding sighting
of debris by other fishing boats operating in the area presuming
‘Mercedes’ to be sunk.
The
Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Center (MRCC) of Indian Coast Guard at
Mumbai activated International Safety Net (ISN) to alert merchant
vessels transiting near the reported position to lookout for the missing
boat. Simultaneously, ICGS Samudra Prahari on deployment was diverted
for search. MRCC (Mumbai) coordinated with merchant vessel Maersk
Horsburgh to join the search operation along with fishing boats
operating in the area. As the reported position was located in Pakistan
Search and Rescue Region, MRCC Karachi was also requested for assistance
as per International Marine Organisation (IMO) norms in vogue.
Considering the distance from mainland, Indian Navy was requested for
launch of Long-Range Maritime Patrol aircraft. It was learnt that the
fishing boat was not carrying AIS or any other transponder which could
have assisted in early locating of the boat by the search units.
After
four days of continuous search amidst challenges of distance from
mainland and weather, the missing boat was located around 370 kms (200
miles) from Lakshadweep Islands. ICG Dornier located and corroborated
presence of the fishing boat on the morning of May 01, 2021. The MRCC
(Mumbai) established communication with the fishing boat on satellite
phone held by the boat and ascertained the crew to be safe. In the
interim, an information was also received from TN fisheries authorities
that the crew of IFB Mercedes had called up home through satellite phone
to indicate that they are safe. ICG ship Vikram on deployment off
Lakshadweep was diverted to render logistic and medical assistance to
the crew. The boat was located by ICGS Vikram on April 29, 2021 around
25 NM from Suheli Par, Lakshadweep Islands. ICGS Vikram provided
necessary first aid to the crew of FB Mercedes and all crew were
reported to be safe. ICGS Vikram escorted the fishing boat to its base
port at Thengapattanam fishing harbour. ICG Interceptor Boat C-427 was
deployed on May 01, 2021 to coordinate with ICGS Vikram and facilitate
smooth entry of FB Mercedes along with 11 crew members to Thengapattanam
fishing harbour. The fishing boat was handed over to Assistant Director
Fisheries Colachel for further disposal.
The
Indian Coast Guard, as the national maritime search and rescue
coordinator, has saved around 10,000 lives over 3,400 missions averaging
almost one life saved per two days. Indian Coast Guard has been
advocating fitment of AIS, Distress Alert Transponders and Long-Range
two-way communication mechanism for enhancing safety of fishers
proceeding for deep sea fishing.