The Indian Coast Guard has released a video showing the rescue of seven fishermen from a Pakistan Maritime Security Agency ship on Sunday. The Coast Guard ship Agrim was deployed close to the maritime boundary line with Pakistan after receiving a distress call from an Indian fishing boat.  

The fishing boat, Kal Bhairav, which had seven fishermen onboard, was operating near the No-Fishing Zone (NFZ) when they were intercepted by a Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) ship.  

CREDIT: INDIAN COAST GUARD

The seven Indian crew members had been apprehended and were being taken to Pakistan when the Coast Guard ship Agrim, which was on patrol, rushed to their rescue.  

According to the ICG, despite efforts by the PMSA ship to retreat, Agrim intercepted the PMSA ship and persuaded them to release the Indian fishermen.  

After nearly two hours of pursuit, the ICG ship was able to retrieve the seven fishermen safely, who were all found to be in stable medical condition.  

#WATCH | Indian Coast Guard Ship Agrim chasing Pakistani ship PMSA Nusrat to rescue Indian fishermen who were being taken to Pakistani waters on Sunday, November 17. The Indian Coast Guard managed to rescue Indian fishermen.

(Source: Indian Coast Guard) https://t.co/fdigpCelvN pic.twitter.com/23w67dt33w

— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2024

Unfortunately, the Indian fishing boat Kal Bhairav was reported to have been damaged and sunk during the incident.  

The ICG ship returned to Okha Harbour on November 18, where a joint investigation involving the ICG, state police, intelligence agencies, and fisheries authorities was undertaken to investigate the circumstances leading to the collision and the subsequent rescue operation.  

Fishing boats that do not use sophisticated navigation tools accidentally crossing the maritime border and entering the territorial waters of another country is a frequent occurrence in the seas. 

CREDIT: BCCL

While most countries that share maritime borders have mutually agreed mechanisms for the safe return of such fishermen, things can turn deadly in contested waters.  

For Indian fishermen, this is particularly a matter of concern in Katchatheevu on the Indian Ocean, where they have come under frequent attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy.

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