Indian Coast Guard Rescues 27 Bangladeshi Fishermen Stranded at Sea

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th April. In a remarkable display of maritime cooperation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) executed a swift rescue operation on April 4, 2024, saving 27 Bangladeshi fishermen aboard the fishing boat Sagar II. The vessel had been adrift for two days due to a steering gear breakdown, leaving the crew stranded inside Indian waters.

The ICG’s vigilance paid off when the Indian Coast Guard Ship Amogh spotted the distressed Bangladeshi fishing boat during patrol along the Indo-Bangladesh International Maritime Border Line (IMBL). Upon investigation, it was discovered that the boat’s rudder was irreparably damaged, necessitating immediate assistance.

Despite efforts by the Indian Coast Guard’s technical team to rectify the issue at sea, it was deemed unfeasible, prompting a decision to tow the distressed vessel to the IMBL. Following established protocols outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Coast Guard and the Bangladesh Coast Guard, plans were set in motion to hand over the fishermen and their boat to the Bangladesh authorities.

The coordination between the Indian and Bangladesh Coast Guards was seamless, with the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters in Kolkata promptly informing their counterparts about the situation. Bangladesh Coast Guard Ship Kamaruzzaman was swiftly deployed to the scene, arriving near the IMBL to receive the stranded fishermen and their vessel from the ICGS Amogh.

This successful rescue mission underscores the Indian Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives at sea, even under challenging circumstances. Such collaborative efforts not only bolster regional search and rescue capabilities but also foster stronger ties between neighboring countries in the realm of maritime safety and security.

The operation exemplifies the ethos of the Indian Coast Guard encapsulated in their motto, “VAYAM RAKSHAMAH” – “WE PROTECT,” reaffirming their dedication to safeguarding lives and ensuring maritime security.