File photograph used for representational purposes only
Credit: PTI Photo
Ahmedabad: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Monday rescued seven Indian fishermen from the clutches of Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) after a two-hour chase near India-Pakistan International Maritime Boundary off Porbandar coast.
ICG ship Agrim, deployed close to the international border, came to the rescue of the Indian fishermen after it received a distress signal near the No-Fishing Zone on Sunday afternoon at around 3:30 from an Indian fishing boat.
It reported that another fishing boat, Kal Bhairav" had been intercepted by the Pakistani agency which had apprehended seven fishermen including two from Gujarat.
"In response, ICG Ship immediately proceeded to the reported location at maximum speed. Despite efforts by the PMSA ship to retreat, ICG Ship intercepted the PMSA ship and persuaded them to relieve Indian fishermen. The ICG ship was able to retrieve the seven fishermen safely, who were all found to be in stable medical condition," the ICG said in a statement.
The fishing boat "Kal Bhairav" was reported to have been damaged and sunk during the incident, the agency added. The ICG ship returned to Okha Harbour on Monday 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.
Every year, the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) catches dozens of Indian fishermen, mostly Gujaratis who inadvertently cross the invisible maritime boundary during fishing.
On many occasions, like this fresh case, the PMSA enters Indian waters and apprehends them at gunpoint. According to latest data, over 200 Indian fishermen are languishing in Pakistan jails in sub-human conditions.