The dramatic res cue of 27 fishermen off Mo bor has sparked a renewed outcry from Goa’s fishing community, demanding that the government urgently strengthen coastal safety and provide the coastal police with modern rescue infra structure. The incident which saw local residents spring into action to save stranded fishers battling rough seas, has been hailed as a hero ic effort. Among them was Francisco ‘Pele’ Fernandes, whose swift and courageous intervention helped prevent a major tragedy. Local fishermen, however, voiced frustration that the issue of sea safety has been raised repeatedly in the past, yet little has changed. “This is not the first time lives were put at risk. For years we have been saying that our coastline lacks prop er safety measures. There are no dedicated rescue boats, no trained personnel, and in emergencies we are left to fend for ourselves,” said Jose Fernandes, a fisherman from Betul. Another fisherman, Domnic D’Silva from Cavelossim, said the community has grown tired of empty assurances. “We risk our lives every day. The government speaks about tourism and the blue economy, but when it comes to our safety, there is com plete neglect. Yesterday 27 lives were saved, tomor row it could be worse,” he warned. Several other fishermen also echoed these concerns, pointing out that repeated appeals for improved com munication systems, early warning mechanisms, and equipped coastal outposts have not been met. “We cannot rely only on the bravery of locals every time tragedy strikes. The State must step up,” Joao Fernandes said. Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai praised Fernandes as a “true Guardian of the Sea” and called on the government to honour him with a bravery award. “By recognising Pele, we also ac knowledge the selfless courage of all those who protect lives at sea,” Sardesai said. Sardesai reiterated that coastal policing should be ex panded beyond surveillance and law enforcement to in clude disaster preparedness and emergency response. “We cannot continue to gam ble with our lives. The Mob or incident must serve as a wake-up call,” he said. For the fishing commu nity, the rescue is both a moment of relief and a reminder of their vulnera bility. They now hope that the government, instead of merely applauding local heroes, will finally invest in the infrastructure need ed to safeguard the lives of those who depend on the sea
Mobor Sea Rescue: 27 Fishermen Saved, Goa’s Fishing Community Demands Coastal Safety Upgrade
