Fishers escape suspected squall wind off Beypore coast
In a harrowing mid-sea ordeal, 50 fishers, including several migrant workers, had a narrow escape after their fishing boat was caught in a strong squall
In a harrowing mid-sea ordeal, 50 fishers, including several migrant workers, had a narrow escape after their fishing boat was caught in a strong squall off the Beypore coast on Tuesday. The boat, Baharul Isan, which had ventured out from Beypore harbour, was struck by the sudden weather nearly six nautical miles off the coast. According to the fishers, the boat was lashed by the swirling winds and rough seas for around 30 minutes, pushing it to the brink of capsizing.
According to the crew, who managed to safely return to the shore by Wednesday afternoon, they had lost all hope of survival. CCTV visuals from the boat later showed the the vessel swaying dangerously as the terrified fishers yelled for help. Fisheries department sources said some of the fishers who tried to save the fishing accessories and nets were thrown onto the deck by the dangerous swaying of the boat.
Despite the challenging situation, the fishers managed to secure the vessel and save their expensive fishing nets and other equipment. Preman Karichal, a functionary of the Kerala Fishing Boat Operators Association, said that all the fishers were found healthy
despite the traumatic experience in the sea. He said the Fisheries department officials maintained constant contact with the crew, providing necessary monitoring and rescue support until the boat safely docked at the Beypore harbour around 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
The BriefWire