Team Goemkarponn
KARNATAKA: In a major maritime rescue operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued 31 fishermen stranded on the Goa-registered fishing vessel IFB Sant Anton-I, which had been adrift in the Arabian Sea for 11 days due to a steering gear failure.
The distress call was received on October 24, 2025, prompting the ICG to launch a search and rescue operation.
The vessel was last reported around 100 nautical miles off the coast of New Mangalore.
The ICGS Kasturba Gandhi, which was on routine patrol, was dispatched to the location, supported by a Dornier aircraft from Kochi for aerial surveillance.
Using real-time weather information and guidance from the Integrated Operations Centre, the Coast Guard tracked the probable drift of the boat.
On October 25, the Dornier aircraft located the stranded vessel, and the ICGS Kasturba Gandhi reached the site to provide on-site logistical support, damage assessment, and temporary repairs to the steering system.
Once the boat was stabilized, the Coast Guard arranged for it to be towed safely to Honnavar fishing harbour in Uttara Kannada district.
All 31 fishermen were reported to be in good health upon arrival. Authorities praised the operation as a testament to the ICG’s preparedness and coordination, highlighting the effectiveness of inter-agency efforts in ensuring the safety of lives at sea.
