3 Missing as Boat with 8 Fishermen Capsizes in Arabian Sea in Maha
A devastating incident occurred in the Arabian Sea in Maharashtra’s Raigad district on Saturday, leaving at least three people missing. A boat carrying eight fishermen capsized due to heavy rains and rough weather, causing widespread panic and distress among the crew members.
According to reports, the boat was sailing in the Arabian Sea when it suddenly toppled over due to the inclement weather. The fishermen, who were on a fishing expedition, were forced to jump into the water to save themselves. With the boat sinking rapidly, the fishermen had to swim to the nearest shore to escape the treacherous situation.
Miraculously, five out of the eight fishermen managed to swim to the Alibaug coast, where they were rescued by local authorities. However, three fishermen remain missing, and their fate is still unknown.
The incident occurred around 8 pm on Saturday, and the fishermen had set out from the Alibaug port in the morning. The boat was about 10 kilometers off the coast when it capsized due to the strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fishermen were screaming for help as they clung to debris and struggled to stay afloat. The Alibaug coast guard and local fishermen launched a search operation to locate the missing fishermen, but so far, there has been no sign of them.
“We were sailing in the sea when suddenly the boat started taking in water. We tried to save ourselves by jumping into the water, but three of our friends are still missing,” said one of the rescued fishermen, who wished to remain anonymous.
The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard have been informed of the incident, and a search operation is underway to locate the missing fishermen. The authorities have also deployed helicopters and boats to scour the area for any signs of the missing fishermen.
The incident has sent shockwaves in the local fishing community, with many expressing concern for the safety of the missing fishermen. The fishermen’s association has urged the authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the incident and to take measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Arabian Sea has been experiencing rough weather in recent days, with heavy rainfall and strong winds reported in many parts of Maharashtra. The weather conditions have made it difficult for fishermen to venture out to sea, and many have been forced to stay ashore.
In a similar incident earlier this month, a boat carrying 12 fishermen capsized off the coast of Maharashtra’s Thane district. Seven fishermen were rescued, but five were reported missing.
The incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by fishermen in India, who often venture out to sea in treacherous weather conditions to earn a living. It also underscores the need for better safety measures and emergency response systems to protect the lives of fishermen.
The authorities are yet to recover the bodies of the missing fishermen, and the search operation is ongoing. The incident is a grim reminder of the perils faced by fishermen in India and the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being.
Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/12b7a25d-af67-43f4-b668-27f9424b6494
