Indian Coast Guard Rescues 13 Fishermen Amid Gujarat Rains

The Indian Coast Guard rescued 13 fishermen in Gujarat's Devbhumi Dwarka district amid heavy rains. The rescue was initiated after an SOS from a stranded boat suffering a machinery breakdown. Multiple agencies have been mobilized to assist, and adverse weather is expected to continue.

Amid heavy rains in Gujarat, the Indian Coast Guard has successfully rescued 13 fishermen from a drifting boat in the Arabian Sea off the Devbhumi Dwarka district, the maritime security agency announced on Wednesday.

Responding to an SOS message from the owner of the fishing boat 'Padmawati' on Tuesday, the ICG deployed its advanced light helicopter (ALH) and a ship to execute the rescue operation, the agency stated.

The vessel, located about 15 km from Dwaraka, had experienced a machinery breakdown due to severe weather conditions, the ICG reported. Despite hostile weather and rough sea conditions, the ICG immediately dispatched its ALH helicopter and redirected the ICG ship Abheek to the location.

In a nightlong mission, ICG ship Abheek successfully towed the distressed vessel and brought it safely to Okha on Wednesday morning, ensuring the safety of all 13 crew members, according to a statement.

With heavy rains affecting various parts of Gujarat, several agencies have been mobilized to manage flood-like conditions and assist stranded individuals. The state government has coordinated six Army columns, 14 NDRF platoons, and 22 SDRF platoons for rescue efforts.

The Navy and Coast Guard have joined the efforts, with the India Meteorological Department predicting extremely heavy rains at isolated places on Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies.)