The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued 19 fishermen from the boat, Joecon 3 ex-Goa, after a net got entangled in its propeller, leading it to drift and wobble dangerously in the seas about 90 kilometre off Murud Janjira coast. The crew members managed to send out a distress call on September 19 and were rescued on September 21. They were brought to Dighi port.
"After we got the distress call, we launched CG Dornier from Daman to conduct a search and sent our rescue ship ICGS Samrat. The aircraft located the drifting boat and the 19 crew members were rescued," said a ICG spokesperson.
The fishermen have been told by the state not to venture into the sea, which is in churn because of heavy rains and strong winds.
"The fishing boat had lost contact with the owner and was in danger, but we managed to establish their identity in the sea and brought them to safety," said the spokesperson.
"We are in touch with the other fishing boats that are amid the sea and are standing by in case we get an SOS call," said the spokesperson, adding: "The fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea and anchor in a safe place near the port."
Earlier, on Wednesday, 14 crew members onboard the Seagull were rescued by the ICG after the vessel was towed in at Sassoon Dock, two days after the crew ran out of food and water.
Rudderless
The fishing boat had lost contact with the owner but managed to send an SOS
A CG Dornier aircraft was launched from Daman to conduct a search; ICGS Samrat was also sent
Earlier, on Wednesday, 14 crew members onboard the Seagull were rescued by the Coast Guard