Indian Coast Guard saves 14 stranded in sea off Pondy

A private boat company used to take tourists deep into the sea to watch birds. On Sunday, wanting to see the birds, a group of 14 hired a boat and ventured into the sea.

But, when the boat had sailed 19 nautical miles, the engine developed a snag and they could not proceed further.

Immediately, the boatman informed the company manager about the stranded vessel and asked for help. The company in turn sought the help of the Coast Guard who rescued the tourists from mid-sea and brought them ashore.

Meanwhile, talking to news persons after honouring the CG personnel involved in the rescue operation, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said, “The administration has denied permission for the boat ride. In spite of that, the tourists have ventured into sea.”

“The condition of the boat was not fit to sail 18 nautical miles. Moreover, it can have only seven on board but the boatman had accommodated 18 persons. Above all neither the boat nor the boatmen possessed a licence. Also it did not have any facility to contact anybody in case of an emergency,” he added.

As soon as the administration was informed about the emergency, it had initiated steps for rescue operations. “The entire operations ended at 15 00 hours today,” said the Chief Minister.

From now on boats should obtain prior permission before embarking on such a journey, he emphasised. “Permission would be granted only if they show the authorities about the safety measures and facilities they can provide to the tourists,” he informed. The boat is one with a French registration and action will be initiated against it after registering a case, he said.