INS Airavat responds to SOS from fishing boat in distress

Visakhapatnam Responding with lightning speed, Indian Navy rushed assistance to a fishing boat

Saleth Matha II off Carnicobar, Andaman and Nicobar Islands on receipt of a distress call late night on July 30.

INS Airavat on deployment for Ops Samudra Setu-II, immediately proceeded towards the distressed boat at maximum speed and rendered assistance. The ship was towing the fishing boat to the nearest harbour for shelter at noon. The 20 metres in length fish boat with seven crew members is based at Port Blair was drifting off Carnicobar due to a major defect in the gear box since July 29.

Gusting winds beyond 25 knots, heavy swell and intermittent rains due to active South-West Monsoon in the region made the connecting up the towing arrangements task.