One fisherman injured in firing by Naval patrol personnel

Mumbai, Apr 1 (UNI) A fisherman was injured when the Naval patrol personnel allegedly fired at a group of fishermen, who unauthorisedly climbed onto an unmanned oil platform of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in the Heera/Neelam oilfields last night.

According to a release by the Defence Ministry, the injured fisherman was airlifted to the city and was undergoing medical treatment in a hospital.

The release said the Naval patrol team sighted fishing boats close to the unmanned oil platform and found 15 fishermen had unauthorisedly climbed onto it. On being investigated/challenged by the Naval patrol personnel, the fishermen jumped into their fishing boats and tried to run away from the platform. In order to stop them, the Naval patrol team fired warning shots.

The fishermen did not heed to the warning and during the ensuing operation, additional rounds were fired and one fisherman sustained minor injury on his left upper arm. The boat was apprehended and escorted to Heera platform and the injured was provided medical assistance by the resident ONGC doctor. The injured fisherman was declared out of danger and subsequently airlifted to the city for further treatment.

ONGC is pursuing the case by lodging an FIR against the fishermen for trespassing in the restricted area.

ONGC and Joint Venture Exploration companies have reported various incidents of thefts from unmanned platforms, especially during the night. The fishermen, who indulge in fishing activity in the close proximity of the platforms, pose a safety and security hazard to these vital assets.

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