MARGAO
Hostile navigation conditions at the mouth of the River Sal proved treacherous once again, as a fishing vessel carrying 27 crew members was left stranded in rough seas after striking a sandbar.
All the 27 fishermen were rescued at dawn on Sunday by a coordinated effort involving local fishermen and Drishti Marine lifesavers, but not before enduring a harrowing 6-7 hour ordeal.
The incident has once again brought into sharp focus the lack of preparedness and logistical support available with the coastal police for maritime emergencies. It also underscored the prolonged delay in the construction of a much-needed breakwater facility — a training wall — at the mouth of the River Sal.
The incident occurred late Saturday night as the vessel was returning to the Cutbona fishing jetty after a fishing trip. Just as the vessel approached the mouth of the River Sal, it is believed to have hit a sand formation just meters away after a huge wave crashed on the vessel. The captain attempted to maneuver the vessel to safety but, in the process, it developed a mechanical fault and eventually went aground.
With the vessel disabled and 27 crew members stranded at sea, an SOS was sent to the boat owner, who immediately contacted the coastal police station in Betul.
The coastal police, however, informed the boat owner that the station lacked basic rescue equipment — including speedboats or interceptor vessels — needed to launch a rescue mission. The police reportedly suggested sending out a distress signal in the hope that nearby fishing vessels would respond.
With official support lacking, the boat owner turned to local Benaulim fisherman Pele Fernandes at around 1 am on Sunday for help. Pele transported his jet ski on a pick-up van as the team rushed to Mobor shore to prepare for a rescue operation.
At dawn, Drishti Marine lifesavers, in coordination with local fishermen and water sports operators, launched a successful rescue operation. According to a statement from Drishti, the stranded vessel remained stable until the early hours of Sunday, but eventually capsized, prompting panic among the crew.
“Drishti Marine lifesavers at Mobor beach launched three jet skis at around 6:45 am to commence the rescue operation, which lasted for more than an hour and involved 10 lifesavers,” the statement said. “The rescue was carried out in collaboration with fishermen and water sports operators, including local fisherman Pele. All 27 crew members were rescued and safely brought to the shore.”
As the vessel tilted to one side, its fishing nets were washed away into the sea. Attempts were underway on Sunday evening to recover the fishing nets.
