Disaster Averted: Fishing Community Unites to Rescue 15 Sailors at Sea
Mumbai | Staff Reporter | 17th August
A tense night unfolded off the Palghar coast in Maharashtra when a cargo ship collided with a fishing boat, triggering panic among the crew and raising fears of a major tragedy. What could have ended in disaster was averted thanks to the quick thinking and courage of fellow fishermen at sea, who rushed to the aid of their stranded colleagues and ensured that 15 sailors lived to tell the tale.
The incident occurred on the night of August 14, about three nautical miles from the coastline. The fishing boat, identified as Shri Sai, bore the brunt of the impact. Such was the force of the collision that four of its sailors were thrown off the deck and into the dark, choppy waters. In a moment of sheer grit, the four managed to swim back to the damaged vessel even as chaos unfolded around them.
As distress calls went out from the Shri Sai, two nearby boats — Jai Sai Priya and Jai Sai Ram — immediately altered course and made their way to the accident site. Their arrival marked the difference between life and death for the men trapped at sea. With no hesitation, the crews launched their rescue operation, helping the 15 sailors onto safer ground and working to keep the stricken vessel afloat. They tied ropes to the damaged boat and began the daunting task of towing it towards Murbe port, a process that would test both their endurance and resolve.
The struggle against the sea began around 10.30 p.m. Heavy winds and swelling waves lashed against the boats, complicating every move. Water gushed into the Shri Sai, threatening to sink it before it could reach the shore. For hours, the rescuers battled the elements in near darkness, often unsure whether the vessel would survive the night. Yet, they persisted, driven by a determination to save not only their fellow fishermen but also the livelihood the vessel represented.
Their ordeal stretched through the night and into the following day. By morning, the situation had become increasingly precarious. The damaged boat, battered by hours of rough seas, struggled to remain stable despite the rescue efforts. Recognizing the difficulty of the task, two more fishing boats from Murbe joined the operation later in the day. The reinforcement offered much-needed strength to the rescue chain, with all four boats working in tandem to keep Shri Sai afloat.
Finally, after nearly 17 grueling hours at sea, the convoy managed to bring the battered fishing boat safely to Satpati-Murbe port on the afternoon of August 15. The sight of the vessel reaching the shore, albeit damaged, was met with immense relief from the community, who had feared the worst after hearing of the collision.
District officials confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident, calling the rescue a testament to the solidarity and bravery of the fishing community. “The prompt assistance of nearby boats prevented a major tragedy. Their quick action saved 15 sailors and ensured that the damaged vessel did not sink at sea,” one official said, acknowledging the efforts of the fishermen.
For the crew of Shri Sai, the accident has been a sobering reminder of the risks that come with life at sea. Yet, their survival stands as proof of resilience and unity in moments of crisis. While authorities are expected to probe the circumstances leading to the collision with the cargo ship, the focus remains on the extraordinary courage shown by the fishermen who stepped up in the face of danger.
As the damaged vessel rests at the port, repairs will soon be underway, but the memory of that fateful night — when human resolve triumphed over the fury of the sea — will remain etched in Palghar’s fishing circles for years to come.
Author: shipping inbox
shipping and maritime related web portal
