VISAKHAPATNAM: In a swift operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued nine fishermen from fishing boat (FB) Pachivalliamman from a major fire, near Mypadu Beach in Nellore district on Monday night. On July 17, at around 7.30 pm, ICGS Krishnapatnam received a message from marine police and fisheries authorities regarding a fishing boat in flames off the Mayapadu Beach.
The ICGS Krishnapatnam dispatched interceptor boat ICGS C-423 to investigate and extend assistance. Meanwhile, ICGS Abheek on a routine surveillance was diverted. After reaching the area, the fishing boat was found engulfed in major fire.
The CG officials came to know that the fire broke out due to cylinder explosion while cooking. The ICGS ship Abheek and the interceptor boat C-423 along with another fishing boat in the vicinity coordinated and rescued all fishermen from the distressed boat. The officials said that there were high winds and sea was rough. However, they had bought the fire under control and saved all the nine fishermen. The fishing boat was badly damaged and sank, while its sister boat tried to make it to shore.