Six stranded fishermen rescued off Kanyakumari

Six fishermen stranded on the high seas off Kanyakumari after their boat developed a snag have been rescued, the Indian Coast Guard said Saturday.

In a statement here, the Coast Guard said a message was received from the assistant director of fisheries department, Tuticorin Friday evening seeking help for searching a missing fishing boat with six aboard.

The fishermen set out from Therespuram in Tuticorin district but their boat engine developed a snag, leaving them adrift at a distance of 25 nautical miles off the coast.

Coast Guard ship Naikidevi, based at Tuticorin, sailed out and located the boat around 11 p.m. at around 30 miles east of Kanyakumari.

The fishermen were provided medical aid and logistical support and the boat was towed back by the coast guard ship. It was handed back to the owner Saturday morning. - IANS