Cargo Ship Smashes Fishing Boat: Daring Rescue Saves 15
Heroic fishermen save sailors in dramatic midnight operation.
A dramatic collision between a cargo ship and a fishing boat off the Palghar coast late Wednesday night sparked a harrowing 17-hour ordeal, but the heroic efforts of nearby fishermen averted a tragedy, saving all 15 sailors aboard the stricken vessel, district officials reported Saturday.
The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on August 14, approximately three nautical miles from the Palghar shoreline, when a cargo ship slammed into the fishing boat Shri Sai. The violent impact threw four sailors into the turbulent sea, but they managed to swim back to their heavily damaged vessel, clinging to hope amidst rising panic. The boat sustained severe structural damage, teetering on the brink of splitting apart as seawater poured in.
A distress call from Shri Sai prompted an immediate response from two nearby fishing boats, Jai Sai Priya and Jai Sai Ram. Their crews raced to the scene, braving strong winds and towering waves to provide critical assistance. The fishermen not only rescued the stranded sailors but also secured the crippled vessel, tying it with ropes to begin the arduous task of towing it toward Murbe port around 10:30 p.m.
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The rescue operation faced relentless challenges as rough seas and fierce winds hampered progress. Seawater flooded the damaged boat, threatening to sink it. Despite the perilous conditions, the crews persevered through the night. By Friday afternoon, two additional fishing boats from Murbe joined the effort, bolstering the operation. After nearly 17 hours of relentless struggle, the combined team successfully towed Shri Sai to the safety of Satpati-Murbe port at around 3 p.m. on August 15.
“This courageous collective effort by the fishermen prevented a large-scale disaster and saved 15 lives,” a Palghar district official said. The damaged boat, barely holding together, underscored the severity of the collision and the bravery of the rescuers. Local authorities have praised the swift response and teamwork, which turned a potential catastrophe into a story of survival and solidarity.
As investigations into the cause of the collision begin, the fishing community in Palghar is being hailed for their selflessness. The incident highlights the dangers faced by those at sea and the remarkable resilience of those who risk everything to save others.
