7 rescued as two trawlers collide in mid-sea off Paradip coast

Kendrapara: The Coast Guard today rescued seven fishermen after two trawlers from Odisha and West Bengal collided off Paradip coast, Coast Guard officials said.

The trawler from Odisha was damaged due to the collision and the Coast Guard personnel brought it, besides the other vessel, to Paradip.

"The vessel (of Odisha) developed crack following the collision. Our patrol ship C-425 arrived and rescued the distressed crew members. We plugged the cracks and towed the damaged vessel to the fishing harbour. Later we intercepted the trouble-making fishing vessel," said commandant Anirudh Dabas.

Paradip Marine police station said 15 Bengali-speaking crew members were detained at Paradip fishing harbour.

The police said the fishermen from Odisha alleged that their Bengal vessel from Kakdwip deliberately crashed into their trawler.

Following their SOS, Coast Guard personnel reached the spot and rescued them.