Coast Guard rescues Sri Lankan fishermen

Kochi, Nov 6 (UNI) Indian Coast Guard rescued five Sri Lankan fishermen, after their boat had developed engine snag and was drifting off Lakshadweep Islands.

The Indian Coat Guard received a request from Sri Lankan High Commission to render assistance to Sri Lankan fishing boat, Rajesh II (Regn no 10-7484 MTR), which was drifting in Indian water due to breakdown of her engine and had five crews onboard, a Coastguard release said today Immediately after receiving the request, the Indian Coast Guard launched its maritime reconnaissance aircraft for search and rescue, which located the distressed boat and communicated with it.

The Coast Guard ship Varun A also sailed out to provide on scene assistance to the boat.

Despite inclement weather and rough sea conditions, the ship's technical team embarked the boat, rectified the defect and the engine was made serviceable at sea.

The crews were provided with first aid, food and water and towed the boat and handed over to another Sri Lankan fishing boat.

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