12 Fishermen Rescued Off Mangaluru Coast After Trawl Boats Sink Near Estuary

A potential maritime tragedy was averted on Thursday, September 3, near the Mangaluru fishing harbour estuary, when 12 fishermen were safely rescued after two trawl boats sank. The vessels, named "Mermaid" and "Aneed", were returning to the port after a deep-sea fishing expedition when they hit underwater sand dunes in the shallow estuary passage. The impact damaged the hulls of both boats, causing sea water to flood in rapidly and causing them to begin sinking. Observing the distress, fishermen aboard other nearby boats returning to the harbour acted swiftly and pulled all 12 crew members to safety from the sinking vessels. Police authorities confirmed that all rescued fishermen were unharmed and brought safely to shore. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding siltation and shifting sand dunes near the harbour entrance, which pose navigational hazards to fishing craft. Local fishing associations have urged authorities to undertake periodic dredging at the estuary to prevent similar accidents and ensure safe passage for fishing vessels.