On July 17, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued a stranded Indian Fishing Boat (IFB) Aashni, which had 11 crew members on board, around 80 nautical miles from Kochi, Kerala, in a combined sea-air operation despite severe weather and heavy rain. The loss of propulsion and flooding from a hull break close to the keel had left the vessel in critical condition, endangering the crew’s safety.
On the evening of July 16, 2024, an ICG Dornier aircraft conducting maritime surveillance found the IFB in distress. The ICG District Headquarters No 4 (Kerala & Mahe) promptly diverted the patrolling ICG ship Saksham to assist the vessel. In order to support the mission, the Advanced Light Helicopter and another ICG ship, Abhinav, were sent to retrieve the crew.
A technical ICG team entered the overturned boat, performed de-flooding procedures, and gave the help that was required. The crew’s complete rescue, together with the vessel, marked the end of the mission.
After that, the boat was given to the Fisheries Department. The operation demonstrated the ICG’s commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime zones and their safety and security once more.
