Coast Guard Rescues 31 Fishermen from Drifting Goa-Based Boat off Mangaluru Coast

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 26, 2025: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Headquarters No. 3 (Karnataka) rescued 31 fishermen from the Goa-based fishing boat IFB Sant Anton-I, which had been adrift in the Arabian Sea for 11 days following a steering gear failure.

After receiving information about the missing vessel, the ICG launched a large-scale search and rescue operation on October 24. The boat was last reported around 100 nautical miles off the New Mangalore coast.

The Coast Guard ship ICGS Kasturba Gandhi, which was on routine patrol, was immediately diverted to the boat’s last known position. A Dornier aircraft from Kochi was also deployed for aerial reconnaissance to trace the vessel, which had drifted considerably due to rough weather.

Using real-time weather inputs and drift analysis, the Coast Guard pinpointed the probable location of the boat. On October 25, the Dornier aircraft spotted the vessel, enabling ICGS Kasturba Gandhi to reach the site and render assistance.

The crew carried out on-site repairs to restore the boat’s steering system, assessed damages, and ensured its seaworthiness. After stabilising the vessel, the Coast Guard handed Sant Anton-I over to another fishing boat for towing to Honnavar fishing harbour.