Search for trawler Gangamoi continues in Bay of Bengal

The Indian Coast Guards and the state’s Civil Defence department is continuing the search for one of the eight fishing trawlers, Gangamoi, which is still missing with around ten people in the Bay of Bengal.

Initially, there was a report of eight trawlers going missing due to the turbulence in the sea. Soon after receiving the information, both the Civil Defence personnel and the Coast Guards jumped into action.

Ships of Coast Guard, which were patrolling out in the sea were pressed for the search operation. 

Dornier Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft of the Coast Guard were used in the search operation.

Four of the eight boats had later returned to the harbour safely. Coast Guard ship Raziya Sultana had found one of the trawlers, FB Tara Maa bearing registration number IND-WB-CLEE614 which was trapped in the midst of the bad weather due to a snag in the engine of the vessel. All 10 persons on board were rescued and assistance was provided to take trawler to the shore of Sagar Island.

Javed Khan, the state Civil Defense minister said that the rescue work is operational in search of one of the trawlers that went missing on Tuesday. He said that the sea is rough as depression is prevailing along the coast of West Bengal. Steps were being taken so that the weather does not hamper the rescue and search as well. 

“The search and rescue work is ongoing. It will continue till the boat and the fishermen are found,” he said adding that the Coast Guard had received information about the presence of a boat out in the sea. When they went to the spot they found that another boat along with Gangamoi is still missing.

Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, DG Rajendra Singh, personally monitored the search and rescue operation.