Deep-sea fishing boat sinks off Malpe after hull rupture; 8 fishermen rescued

Deep-sea fishing boat sinks off Malpe after hull rupture; 8 fishermen rescued

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, September 17, 2026: A deep-sea fishing boat that had ventured out from Malpe port sank in the Arabian Sea after its hull ruptured on August 31. All eight fishermen on board were rescued safely by another fishing boat.

According to the official incident report, the fishing vessel Shri Divyanshi-1, owned by Pushpa B. Salian of Thottam, left Malpe port around 1.30 am on August 31.

The boat was fishing at a depth of around 45 to 50 fathoms off the Malpe coast when the crew heard a loud thud from beneath the vessel. On checking the engine room, they found that the hull had ruptured and seawater was rapidly entering the boat.

The fishermen attempted to control the situation by bailing out the water, but the inflow was too heavy to contain. Realising that the vessel was in danger of sinking, the tandel (skipper) used the wireless set to send a distress call to nearby fishing boats.

Responding to the SOS, the crew of the Vighnaraj fishing boat reached the location and rescued all eight fishermen.

The rescuers then attempted to tow the damaged vessel back to safety. However, strong waves and heavy water pressure caused the towline to snap. Unable to prevent the vessel from sinking, the crew watched as Shri Divyanshi-1 went down into the sea.

All eight fishermen were brought to safety without injury.