Indian Navy Rescues 36 Fishermen Stranded in Bay of Bengal, INS Khanjar’s Swift Action Saves Lives

In a daring rescue operation, the Indian Navy announced on Saturday that it successfully rescues 36 stranded fishermen in the treacherous waters of the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Tamil Nadu. The fishermen found themselves adrift for over two days, battling challenging weather conditions, after their boats’ engines malfunctioned, leaving them at the mercy of the elements.

The rescue mission was led by INS Khanjar, a naval warship actively patrolling in the Bay of Bengal. The vessel detected three distressed fishing boats adrift in rough seas, later identified as Sabarainathan, Kalaivani, and V Sami, approximately 130 nautical miles from the Tamil Nadu coast.

Upon discovering the fishermen’s plight, INS Khanjar wasted no time providing immediate assistance in the form of provisions. The warship then took charge, towing the three boats for more than 30 hours, navigating through challenging sea conditions, and ensuring the safe return of the stranded fishermen to Chennai harbour.

Navy spokesperson, Commander Vivek Madhwal, confirmed the successful rescue, stating, “Indian Naval Ship Khanjar, Mission Deployed in the Bay of Bengal, has safely brought back 36 Indian fishermen who were stranded 130 nautical miles from the Tamil Nadu coast.” The ship’s swift and decisive action saved lives and exemplified the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding mariners in distress.

The fishermen hailed from Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, and had endured an ordeal due to rough weather conditions, lack of fuel, provisions, and engine breakdown. Thanks to INS Khanjar’s timely intervention, they were supplied with necessary provisions and towed to safety, returning to Chennai harbour on Friday.

This rescue operation showcases the Indian Navy’s exceptional capabilities and commitment to humanitarian assistance, especially during crises at sea. Just days before this remarkable rescue, a separate incident involved a research vessel belonging to the Government of India that was stranded between Goa and Karwar due to technical issues. The Indian Coast Guard team swiftly responded to the alert and rescued the 28 crew members and eight scientists onboard, ensuring their safe return to Goa harbour on July 26.

The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard’s vigilance and professionalism in responding to such maritime emergencies demonstrate their dedication to ensuring the safety and security of seafarers and researchers in the vast and unpredictable waters of the Bay of Bengal and beyond.

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