A major maritime incident off the Palghar coast in Maharashtra could have turned into a large-scale tragedy, but the timely actions of fellow fishermen helped avert disaster and ensured the safety of 15 sailors. According to a senior district official, the collision between a large cargo vessel and a fishing boat caused chaos in the waters, sparking fear among those on board and creating a dangerous situation. Despite the seriousness of the accident, the coordinated rescue efforts of other boats in the vicinity made it possible to save lives. Their quick response not only brought relief to the stranded sailors but also prevented a devastating outcome at sea, turning what could have been a fatal accident into a story of survival and courage.
The damaged fishing boat, battered by the collision and nearly on the verge of sinking, was eventually brought back to shore, though not without a long and exhausting struggle. It took almost seventeen hours of continuous effort before the vessel was successfully returned to safety on Friday. The process highlighted the immense challenges of working against the forces of nature at sea, as well as the determination of those who came to help. Without such perseverance, the vessel and the people on board might have been lost entirely.
According to the Palghar district official, the collision took place roughly three nautical miles away from the coastline on the night of August 14. The crash was extremely severe, and the impact caused four sailors from the fishing vessel, identified as ‘Shri Sai,’ to be thrown violently into the sea. Though the situation seemed extremely dire in those few moments, the sailors displayed remarkable resilience and courage by managing to swim back to their vessel, clinging to hope despite the turbulent conditions.
As soon as the distress call was made, two nearby fishing boats named ‘Jai Sai Priya’ and ‘Jai Sai Ram’ rushed immediately towards the troubled spot. Their timely arrival played a decisive role in the rescue operation. The crew of these boats not only pulled the sailors to safety but also provided much-needed support in handling the severely damaged fishing vessel. Showing extraordinary teamwork, they tied the weakened boat with ropes and began towing it slowly towards the Murbe port at around 10:30 p.m. However, the rescue turned more difficult than expected, as harsh winds and strong waves continuously pushed against them, while seawater kept flooding the damaged boat.
The struggle dragged on for hours and extended into the next day, testing the strength and patience of everyone involved. After nearly seventeen hours of battling against relentless sea conditions, two more boats from Murbe joined the operation. With the added manpower and combined strength of four fishing boats, the damaged vessel was finally pulled to safety and reached Satpati-Murbe port on August 15 at approximately 3:00 p.m. This marked the end of a long and grueling mission that demonstrated the importance of unity and persistence in times of crisis.
The district official confirmed that the fishing boat had suffered severe structural damage due to the collision, with its body nearly splitting apart under the pressure of the waves. Had it not been for the relentless efforts of the rescuers, the vessel would likely have broken completely, resulting in devastating consequences for those on board. The official emphasized that this coordinated rescue was a true example of bravery and solidarity among fishermen. Their collective effort saved the lives of 15 sailors and ensured that a major catastrophe at sea was avoided.
