PANJIM: A fishing trawler that developed engine trouble drifted into the rough seas, and got grounded off Miramar Beach on Thursday night.
Due to a weather warning from the meteorological department, the trawler, which had departed from Betim Jetty for a catch at sunset, was unable to venture out to sea. The trawler then lost its anchor and drifted towards Miramar Beach.
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“I received a call for help from my friend late in the evening, who informed me that his trawler named Diamond had drifted into the rough seas at Miramar,” said Francis Vaz, a member of the Mandovi Fishermen’s Association.
The trawler also developed engine trouble, leaving its 37-member crew stranded.
Vaz then called a lifeguard supervisor from Drishti Lifesaving Private Ltd, and requested assistance. “I called the supervisor and narrated the incident to him, and asked for jet skis to rescue the crew,” said Vaz.
“The lifesavers from Drishti headed into the rough sea on jet skis in the dead of night to retrieve the marooned men, while two Beach Safety Patrol (BSP) personnel provided assistance from shore with searchlights,” said a statement from Drishti.
The rescue operation, which began at 10 pm, ended at 1 am. “While the fishermen were relieved to be rescued from their perilous predicament, the trawler remains at sea, waiting to be retrieved by the owners at an appropriate moment,” said a Drishti spokesperson.
