In a swift and heroic operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued 27 Bangladeshi fishermen who were stranded at sea on April 4. The fishermen were aboard the Bangladeshi fishing boat Sagar II, which experienced a steering gear breakdown, leaving them adrift for two days.
The rescue took place at the Indo-Bangladesh International Maritime Border Line (IMBL) when the ICG Ship Amogh spotted the distressed fishing boat inside Indian waters at around 11:30 am. A boarding team was promptly dispatched to investigate the situation.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rudder of the boat was severely damaged and could not be repaired at sea. With favorable sea conditions prevailing, a decision was made to tow the distressed boat to the IMBL and hand it over to either another Bangladeshi fishing boat or the Bangladesh Coast Guard Ship, as per the Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian Coast Guard and the Bangladesh Coast Guard.
Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters in Kolkata immediately established communication with the Bangladesh Coast Guard, informing them of the incident and the planned course of action. Responding swiftly, the Bangladesh Coast Guard Ship Kamaruzzaman was deployed for towing the Bangladeshi fishing boat.
BCGS Kamaruzzaman arrived near the IMBL at approximately 6:45 pm on April 4, 2024. The ICGS Amogh handed over the 27 Bangladeshi fishermen along with their boat to the Bangladesh Coast Guard Ship Kamaruzzaman, ensuring their safe transfer.
This successful search and rescue operation highlights the unwavering commitment of the Indian Coast Guard to safeguard precious lives at sea, even under challenging circumstances. Such endeavors not only bolster the regional Search and Rescue (SAR) structure but also foster greater international cooperation with neighboring countries.
