Indian Coast Guard Rescues Missing Boat With 54 People Onboard In Lakshadweep

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued 54 passengers, including 22 women and 23 children, from a fishing boat, Mohammad Kasim-II, that had been stranded in the Indian Ocean near Lakshadweep’s Kavaratti Island on January 14, 2025.

The boat departed from Kavaratti Island for Suheli Par Island. It was scheduled to reach Suheli Par Island by 9 am, but when it failed to arrive on time, a distress call was made to the Lakshadweep Administration.

The Coast Guard received the distress call around 2:30 pm and launched a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation.

Using the Coastal Surveillance System, the Coast Guard located the boat, which had drifted four nautical miles off Suheli Island due to an engine failure. The boat had been adrift for hours without direction.

The Coast Guard immediately diverted the nearest ship, ICGS Saksham, to the location. By 4:00 pm, the Coast Guard ship reached the stranded boat and rescued all 54 passengers.

The passengers, including women and children, were provided with emergency care onboard the Coast Guard ship. After the rescue, the passengers were safely transported back to Kavaratti Island.

The operation was completed by 9 am the following day, and the rescued individuals were handed over to the Lakshadweep Administration.

District Commander DIG Mobeen Khan stated that the rescue operation was successful, thanks to the quick response and coordination between the Coast Guard, Lakshadweep Fisheries, and the Port Department.

He also discussed the importance of maintaining maritime safety protocols, especially avoiding the overloading of boats and ensuring the presence of life-saving equipment.

The Coast Guard reminded the public that adherence to safety rules is essential to prevent such incidents in the future.

Reference: PIB

Source: Maritime Shipping News