Fishing Boat Mercedes Reaches Kanyakumari, located off Goa coast after mammoth SAR ops

In a timely International Workers' Day gift, Indian Coast Guard on May 1 ensured the safe return of Tamil Nadu Fishing Boat Mercedes located by it in a successful search and rescue (SAR) operation at Sea on April 29. The fishing boat and its crew  touched base at Thengapattanam fishing harbour in Tamil Nadu. Mercedes was located post a massive search operation launched since April 24 at a distance of about 1100 kms (590 miles) from Goa. 

The fishing boat had sailed for deep sea fishing on April 6 with 11 crew West of Kerala for 30 days voyage from Thengapattanam fishing harbour in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu Fisheries authorities on April 24 intimated the authorities about debris sighted by by other fishing boats operating in the area and presumed that fishing boat Mercedes had sunk. 

The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Center (MRCC) of Indian Coast Guard at Mumbai activated International Safety Net (ISN) to alert merchant vessels transiting near reported position to lookout for the missing boat. Simultaneously, ICGS Samudra Prahari on deployment was diverted for SAR operations. 

MRCC (Mumbai) coordinated with merchant vessel Maersk Horsburgh to join the search operation along with fishing boats operating in the area. As the reported position was located in Pakistan SAR region, Indian authorities requested MRCC Karachi for assistance as per IMO norms in vogue.

Considering the distance from mainland, a request was made to Indian Navy to launch long-range Maritime Patrol aircraft. It was learnt that the fishing boat was not carrying AIS or any other transponder which could have assisted in early locating of the boat by the search units.

Fishing Boat Mercedes Entering Harbour, Received by Local Authorities & Leaders

After four days of continuous search amidst challenges of distance from mainland and weather, the missing boat was located around 200 miles (around 370 kilometers) from Lakshadweep Islands. ICG Dornier located and corroborated presence of the fishing boat. 

MRCC (Mumbai) established communication with the fishing boat on satellite phone held by the boat and ascertained the crew to be safe. In the interim, MRCC also received information from TN fisheries authorities that the crew of IFB Mercedes had called up home through satellite phone to indicate that they are safe.  

ICG Interceptor Boat Escorting FB Mercedes To The Harbour

ICG ship Vikram on deployment off Lakshadweep was diverted to render logistic and medical assistance to the crew. ICGS Vikram located the boat on April 29 around 25 NM from Suheli Par, Lakshadweep Islands. ICGS Vikram provided necessary first aid to the crew of FB Mercedes and all crew were reported to be safe. ICGS Vikram escorted the fishing boat to its base port at Thengapattanam fishing harbour. 

ICG Interceptor Boat C-427 was deployed on May 1 to coordinate with ICGS Vikram and facilitate smooth entry of FB Mercedes along with 11 crew members to Thengapattanam fishing harbour. The Indian Coast Goard authorities handed over the fishing boat and the crew to Stalin, assistant director, department of fisheries for further action.

Indian Coast Guard as the National Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinator has saved around 10,000 lives over 3400 missions averaging almost one life saved per two days. Indian Coast Guard has been advocating fitment of AIS, Distress Alert Transponders and Long Range two way Communication mechanism for enhancing safety of fishers proceeding for Deep Sea Fishing.