Six fishermen escape as boat runs aground at Rushikonda

Six fishermen had a narrow escape on Monday after their mechanised fishing boat suffered engine failure, ran out of fuel at sea, and was swept ashore near Rushikonda Beach by powerful waves.

The vessel, bearing registration number IND.AP.V5.MM.255 and owned by Korangi Narsinga Rao, had set out on a routine fishing trip off the Visakhapatnam coast a few days earlier.

According to fisheries officials and the Coastal Security Police, the boat developed an engine snag and then ran out of fuel, leaving the crew stranded in rough seas. The fishermen dropped anchor to prevent the vessel from drifting, but strong waves snapped the anchor line.

Unable to manoeuvre the vessel, the crew was left helpless as heavy swells pushed the boat towards Rushikonda Beach, where it eventually ran aground.

“We lost power after running out of fuel. Before we could secure the boat, the anchor line snapped under the force of the waves. Fortunately, the tides pushed us towards the shore instead of deeper into the sea,” a crew member said.

Beach lifeguards, local fishermen and Coastal Security Police personnel rushed to the spot after noticing the stranded vessel. All six fishermen disembarked safely without sustaining injuries.

Marine police and fisheries department officials inspected the vessel for possible damage and planned to tow it once sea conditions improve.

Following the incident, authorities advised fishermen to carry adequate fuel, check their engines, and ensure they have essential safety equipment on board before venturing out to sea, particularly in adverse weather.