Andhra Pradesh: Engine Failure Leaves 7 Fishermen Adrift Off Nellore

Seven fishermen who were left adrift in the sea near Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, after their boat's engine broke down have been rescued safely, officials said on Monday.

The fishermen were trapped in the Bay of Bengal near Juvvaladinne, in the Kavali constituency of Potti Sriramulu Nellore district, according to District Collector Himanshu Shukla.

Rough seas caused by the severe cyclonic storm 'Murasu' had made conditions dangerous. Officials urged farmers not to go into the sea and asked those already at sea to return to shore.

The boat had left the Juvvaladinne fishing harbour earlier in the day. When the weather started to worsen, the crew tried to return, but the engine failed on the way. The vessel was left roughly half a kilometre from the harbour entrance.

Monitoring personnel at the harbour detected the problem and informed officials right away. Fisheries department staff and marine police, working alongside local fishermen, quickly launched a rescue mission.

Rescuers initially found it difficult to reach the boat because of high waves. The anchor then gave way, and the boat began drifting toward Pathakadapalem village. Marine police, fisheries officials and local fishermen followed the vessel and continued the operation until it reached the Pathakadapalem coast. All seven fishermen were brought out safely.

The Collector lauded the fisheries officials, marine police, monitoring staff and local fishermen for their timely action. He cautioned fishermen to stay vigilant in harsh sea conditions and to follow official instructions carefully.