A fishing vessel, the 'Sri Balanjaneya', carrying 27 fishermen, sank in the Gangolli estuary area on Wednesday, just a few nautical miles from the port. A swift and coordinated rescue effort by local fishermen and the Coastal Security Police ensured all aboard were brought to safety, though the boat and its equipment are a total loss.
The Persian fishing boat, owned by Nagaraja Mogera from Mundalli, Bhatkal, had departed Gangolli port on Wednesday afternoon for its fishing expedition. While actively engaged in fishing approximately 2-3 nautical miles from the port, a critical fiber component on the vessel reportedly broke, allowing sea water to rapidly flood the interior due to strong waves.
Recognizing the imminent danger, the crew promptly alerted authorities at Gangolli port. Demonstrating remarkable quick thinking, local fishermen immediately launched two boats, joining personnel from the Gangolli Coastal Security Police. Inspector Ramesh K., Sub-Inspector Subramanya, and their team, including constables Raghavendra, Nagaraj Kharvi, Nagesh, Ramesh, Kiran, and Yuvaraj, spearheaded the rescue mission.
Prominent local figures like B. Shekhara Kundar from Maravanthe and Ramanna Uppunda generously provided their boats for the operation. Other local fishermen and KNDC staff, including Abhishek Kharvi from Mallyarabettu, Chandrashekhara Kharvi from Uppunda, Sandesh S., Ishwara Lokappa Tandel, Sandesh, Santhosh Kharvi, Rama Kharvi, and Abhi Gangolli, also played crucial roles in the successful rescue.
Despite the boat's complete submersion and the loss of nets and other valuable fishing gear, estimated to be worth millions of rupees, all 27 crew members—comprising 16 local fishermen and 11 from Odisha—survived the ordeal. One fisherman sustained minor injuries and received treatment at a local hospital, while the remaining 26 returned safely to Gangolli port. Strong waves and the boat's partial submersion have so far prevented its retrieval. Authorities have registered a case at the Gangolli Coastal Security Police Station regarding the incident.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi