Coast Guard rewards four fisherman with Bravery Award for saving lives at Sea

Mangalore Today News Network

Bhatkal, August 22, 2016: Coast Guard Station Karwar organized its first ever Bravery Award Ceremony in appreciation of the heroic act and contribution towards saving of seven fishermen at Bhatkal fishing harbour on 21 Aug 2016.

Indian Coast Guard Karwar has organized this felicitation ceremony to commend the valiant and brotherhood act shown by fellow fishermen while saving seven precious lives of the ill-fated boat Guru Anugraha at sea. In the ceremony, Indian Coast Guard had presented bravery awards, certificates and a “Cash Reward of Rs. 10,000/-” to the four fishermen of fishing boat Matsya Deep.

Four fishermen, Sri Gopal Mager (45), Sri Suresh Basava Kharvi (40), Sri Navin Masti Kharvi (26) and Sri Srinivas Narayan Kharvi (49) were awarded the cash prize. They had shown their valour and presence of mind at times of dire need and saved the lives of fellow fishermen. On 03 Aug 2016, ill fated fishing boat Guru Anugraha while at sea, got capsized owing to rough sea conditions, off which seven fishermen were saved, however, one fisherman, namely Mr. Manjunath went missing.

On receipt of the information, Coast Guard had launched SAR mission for search of missing fisherman. Coast Guard had immediately sailed two ships for SAR mission despite extreme sea conditions and undertook numerous air sorties by Coast Guard Helicopter, which aided in surveillance through Air. The ships carried out extensive search in the probable area off Bhatkal to trace the missing fisherman. Finally, body of the fisherman was washed ashore due to sea conditions and was found near Maravante beach, 10 km off koondapur.

Indian Coast Guard had arranged this award ceremony to boost up the morale and felicitate the gallant act of the fishermen that rescued others in need and also, Coast Guard has been successful in setting up example for other fishermen to be conscious of their obligation and encourage them to adhere to safety measures and carry life saving equipment whenever they venture out to sea.

Mankal Vaidya, MLA Bhatkal, Officials of ASP Bhatkal (staff), CSP Bhatkal and President of fishing community, Vinod Kharvi graced the occasion.