NEW DELHI: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully rescued seven Indian fishermen detained by a Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) vessel near the India-Pakistan maritime boundary, according to an official release.
At approximately 1530 hours on November 17, an ICG ship on patrol received a distress call from an Indian fishing boat (IFB) operating near the No-Fishing Zone (NFZ). The call reported that another Indian fishing boat, Kal Bhairav, had been intercepted by a PMSA vessel, with seven Indian crew members taken into custody. In response, the ICG ship immediately proceeded to the reported location at maximum speed, the release said.
Despite attempts by the PMSA vessel to retreat, the ICG ship intercepted it and successfully negotiated the release of the Indian fishermen. All seven were found to be in stable medical condition. However, the fishing boat Kal Bhairav was reported to have been damaged and had sunk during the incident, the release added.
The ICG ship returned to Okha Harbour on November 18, where a joint investigation involving the ICG, state police, intelligence agencies, and fisheries authorities was launched to examine the circumstances of the incident and the subsequent rescue operation.
This operation highlights the ICG’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian fishermen at sea, demonstrating its dedication to protecting the Indian maritime community, the release stated.
