Kundapura, 27 August 2026 – At about 03:30 PM on Tuesday, a purse seine vessel named Sri Balanjaneya began taking on water after heavy waves caused structural cracks while it was fishing roughly three nautical miles off Gangolli beach. The boat started to sink, prompting an urgent call for help.
Coastal Guard units responded without delay. Inspector Ramesh K. of the Coastal Reserve Force led the operation, assisted by PSI Subramanya and staff members Yuvaraj, Raghavendra, Ramesh, Nagaraj Kharvi, Nagesh Kharvi and Kiran. Members of the K.N.D., Santhosh Kharshi and Sandesh, also joined the rescue team.
Two local fishing boats, Matsyamrutha and Sumukha, were dispatched to the scene. Working together with nearby fishermen, the rescue crew managed to bring all 27 crew members aboard Sri Balanjaneya safely ashore. No injuries were reported.
Local participants such as Abhi Arkati, Sandesh, Ramachandra Kharvi, Jayanth, Narayana Kharvi Uppunda, Chandrashekhara Kharvi, Chethan Shipayi and Shekhara Kundar played a crucial role in guiding the rescue vessels and ensuring the fishermen reached land quickly.
Despite the successful evacuation, the vessel could not be saved and sank completely, resulting in material losses estimated in the lakhs of rupees. Authorities are investigating the cause of the hull failure and will review safety protocols for small‑scale fishing operations in the coastal stretch.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Kundapra