Fishing boat capsizes in Paradip sea, 5 fishermen rescued; 3 untraceable

At least three fishermen are missing after a boat capsized in the sea near Paradip on Tuesday. As per initial reports, eight fishermen were returning to the shore in the boat after it reportedly capsized hitting sand and strong sea currents.

A massive operation was subsequently launched to rescue the fishermen. Even a chopper of the Indian Coast Guard was pressed into service. The rescue operation by the Indian Coast Guard helicopter was subsequently suspended late evening.

Jagatsinghpur SP, Rahul PR said, “Eight fishermen were missing and later five of them were rescued. A joint operation was launched by the Coast Guard, Marine Police, the Port, and CISF. Due to the timely intervention of CISF and the Port, two fishermen were initially rescued. Later, three were rescued with the help of another fishing boat.”

The official said that the chopper operation was suspended in the evening. The Indian Coast Guard and other vessels are present and efforts are on to trace the missing fishermen.

“Marine Police is also collecting information if the fishermen have swum to some other place to provide immediate medical attention,” the SP added.