Indian Coast Guard Rescues 14 Fishermen Off Valsad Coast

Valsad: In a swift operation in extremely challenging weather and sea conditions, the Indian Coast Guard launched Chetak Helicopter from Daman and rescued 14 stranded fishermen of Fishing Boat (FB) Tulsi Devi off Valsad coast on 17 August 2022.

At about 11:30 AM on 17 August 2022, Coast Guard Air Station Daman was tasked to render rescue assistance to stranded FB Tulsi Devi which had sailed from Krishnapur fishing harbor Valsad on 16 August 2022. The boat reported engine failure and flooding on 16 August 2022.

The increasing perilous conditions with a swell height of 5-6 mtrs, strong gusty winds of 20-25 knots, and sea state 5 in the area precluded rescue by ship or boats in the area. At 11:46 AM on 17 August 2022, Coast Guard Chetak helicopter was launched and operating close to the operational maxima, braving the squally weather and strong winds, the aircraft arrived datum at 11:56 AM.

The aircraft successfully rescued all crew members of the distressed FB and safely airlifted them to Coast Guard Air Station Daman. On arrival, a preliminary medical examination was undertaken and the fishermen were provided with first aid. All survivors were conveyed to their next of kin. The Fishermen were later handed over to the authorities of Fisheries Dept, Govt of Gujarat.

DeshGujarat