Seven Fishermen Rescued After Boat Engine Fails Off Nellore Coast

Seven fishermen who were left stranded in the sea after their fishing boat suffered an engine failure were rescued safely following a coordinated operation by the Fisheries Department, marine police and local fishermen. Prompt action by the rescue teams helped avert a potential tragedy despite rough sea conditions. District Collector Himanshu Shukla confirmed that all seven fishermen had been brought ashore safely and that arrangements were being made to send them back to their hometowns.

The fishermen, belonging to Vadarevu village in Chirala mandal of Bapatla district, had set out for fishing from Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour. While operating off the Nellore coast, they noticed a sudden change in weather conditions and decided to return. However, their boat developed an engine malfunction during the journey, leaving them stranded approximately 500 metres from the harbour entrance.

The situation came to the notice of surveillance personnel deployed at the harbour, who immediately alerted the concerned authorities. Fisheries Department officials and marine police personnel quickly mobilised local fishermen to launch a rescue operation. However, strong waves and rough sea conditions initially made it difficult for the rescue teams to approach the stranded vessel.

The situation became more challenging when the boat's anchor rope snapped, leaving it at the mercy of the waves. The vessel was subsequently pushed towards Pathakadalipalem by strong currents. Undeterred by the difficult conditions, officials and local fishermen continued tracking the boat and coordinating efforts to bring it safely towards the shore.

After sustained efforts, the rescue teams succeeded in bringing the vessel to the Pathakadalipalem coastline, where all seven fishermen were safely evacuated. No casualties were reported in the incident.

Following the rescue, Fisheries Department officials interacted with the fishermen and assessed their condition. Officials confirmed that all seven were safe and said arrangements were underway to transport them to their native village. The authorities identified five of them as Garikina Seenu, Garikina Krishna, Meruga Durgaprasad, Pikki Kodanda and Maidipindi Jaggarav.

Collector Himanshu Shukla appreciated the Fisheries Department officials, marine police, surveillance personnel and local fishermen for their timely response and coordinated efforts. He urged fishermen to exercise caution during adverse weather conditions and strictly follow safety instructions issued by authorities before venturing into the sea.