Four fishermen from Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam district endured a terrifying four-hour struggle for survival in the dark, turbulent waters off the Kodiyakkarai coast after their boat capsized. The group was ultimately saved in a dramatic early morning rescue operation mounted by fellow fishermen.
A Perilous Journey Turns into a Nightmare
The incident began when R Ragu, R Anbarasan, S Prasanna, and D Muthuvel, all residents of Nambiyar Nagar in Kodiyakkarai, ventured into the sea. They were using a motorized fiberglass reinforced plastic boat owned by Ragu's father. The group had set out in the early hours of Monday for a routine fishing expedition.
Their ordeal started around 2 am on Tuesday when they were approximately seven nautical miles southeast of Kodiyakkarai. Suddenly, their boat overturned in the rough seas, throwing all four men into the dangerous waters. With their vessel capsized, the fishermen had no choice but to cling to its hull, hoping for rescue as they remained afloat in the pitch darkness.
The Dawn Rescue by Fellow Fishermen
After clinging to hope and the overturned boat for about four hours, their salvation arrived around 6 am. A group of fishermen operating from a trawler based in Karaikal spotted the distressed men in the water. Acting swiftly, the crew of the trawler hauled the exhausted fishermen aboard their vessel, pulling them to safety.
Once alerted, fishing communities from Kodiyakkarai immediately launched a coordinated rescue effort. Their mission had two goals: to save the men and to recover the capsized boat. The rescue team successfully righted the overturned vessel and towed it back to the shore. They also ensured the safe return of the four fishermen, who had survived the harrowing experience.
Official Inquiry and Aftermath
Following the incident, the local fisheries department conducted a formal inquiry into the near-tragedy. Officials examined the circumstances that led to the capsize and the subsequent rescue. A detailed report on the event has been submitted to the relevant authorities for further review and action.
This event highlights the constant dangers faced by the fishing community along India's coastline, where livelihoods depend on the unpredictable sea. It also underscores the critical role of community solidarity and swift response in preventing tragedies at sea.
