5 fishermen rescued, 3 go missing after boat capsizes in Paradip

Paradip: Three fishermen have gone missing after a fishing boat capsized in the sea near Paradip port on Tuesday.

As per initial reports, eight fishermen were returning to the shore in the boat after it reportedly capsized hitting sand and strong sea currents. As many as five fishermen have been rescued.

Jagatsinghpur superintendent of police (SP) Rahul PR said eight fishermen were returning to the shore after fishing in the sea for the last two days when their trawler capsized after hitting a sand bar.

“After the trawler capsized, a rescue operation was launched by the Coast Guard, Marine Police, Paradip Port Authority, and CISF. Due to the timely intervention of CISF and the Port, five fishermen could be rescued,” said the SP.

A chopper of the Indian Coast Guard was pressed into service. The police officer said three fishermen were missing and marine police officers were trying to ascertain if they were able to swim to safety.

The boat owner Purendra Biswal said the fishermen had repeatedly asked the administration to carry out dredging at the mouth of the sea but this wasn’t done, lealeading to the incident.