The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued seven Indian fishermen who had been apprehended by a Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) vessel near the India-Pakistan maritime boundary. The fishermen were aboard the Indian fishing boat Kaal Bhairav when the PMSA ship took them into custody.
Daring Intercept and Pursuit
The Indian Coast Guard ship Agrim, positioned close to the maritime boundary, intercepted the PMSA ship Nusrat after a two-hour pursuit. Despite the PMSA vessel attempting to retreat, the ICG ship pursued it and made it clear that under no circumstances would it allow the Pakistani ship to take Indian fishermen away from Indian waters. After the pursuit, the ICG successfully persuaded the PMSA vessel to release the seven fishermen.
While the fishermen were safely rescued and found to be in stable medical condition, the Indian fishing boat Kaal Bhairav was reported to have been damaged and sunk during the incident. The ICG ship Agrim then returned to Okha Harbour on November 18.
Joint Investigation Launched
Upon arrival at Okha Harbour, a joint investigation was launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision and the subsequent rescue operation. The inquiry involves the ICG, State Police, Intelligence Agencies, and Fisheries authorities. This investigation aims to gather more details about the events leading up to the rescue and assess the damages incurred.