Navi Mumbai: A fishing vessel overturned off the Raigad coast close to Kanderi Fort early Saturday morning due to persistent rainfall, even though a government prohibition on fishing exists during the monsoon season. The vessel had traveled roughly six nautical miles into the ocean when the event took place. Of the eight fishermen on board, five survived by swimming for more than nine hours to get to Sasavane beach in Alibaug.
The five individuals who survived are Hemant Baliram Gawand (45), Sandeep Tukaram Koli (38), Roshan Bhagwan Koli (39), Shankar Hira Bhoir (64), and Krishna Ram Bhoir (55), all coming from various locations in Uran and Panvel.
The fishermen were returning from Uran to Khanderi when the boat sank in the darkness of night. Three fishermen, Mukesh Patil, Dheeraj Koli, and Naresh Shelar, were initially missing, leading to a continuous search by local rescue teams, the Coast Guard, and drones. The fishermen's lifesaving abilities and utilization of floatation devices were vital for their survival.
The event underscores the risks of fishing during a prohibition aimed at safeguarding lives and ocean resources. Officials indicated that the fishermen's violation of the prohibition resulted in this unfortunate incident, which, although tragic, also highlighted the strength of the survivors.
The remaining fishermen were transported to the district hospital in Alibaug for medical care after their traumatic experience. Search efforts for the missing fishermen persist, while their families remain hopeful for updates amid the uncertainty surrounding their fate.
