A major accident has been reported off the Gujarat coast. On Tuesday evening, two fishing boats capsized in the Arabian Sea near Amreli district. According to officials, the accident occurred because of rough weather. Ten fishermen have been rescued but eight are still missing. The rescue teams are continuing their operation under very challenging conditions.
The incident has shocked the fishing community in the region. Families of missing fishermen are waiting anxiously for updates. Rescue operations are being conducted with the help of the Indian Coast Guard and local fishermen. However, weather conditions are creating difficulties in locating the missing men.
Details of the accident
The incident took place around 6 PM. Two boats carrying 18 fishermen had sailed into the Arabian Sea from Jafrabad town. The accident occurred nearly 19 nautical miles away from the coast. Officials have confirmed that both boats capsized due to bad weather conditions.
Each boat was carrying nine fishermen. Strong winds and heavy rain overturned the boats in the middle of the sea. Nearby vessels rushed to the spot and managed to rescue 10 fishermen. Unfortunately, eight fishermen were swept away by strong waves and remain untraced.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Rajula, Mehul Barasara, stated that the rescue mission began immediately after reports of the accident reached local authorities. Search operations have been launched in collaboration with the Coast Guard. Despite heavy rain and rough sea, efforts to locate the missing fishermen are ongoing.
Rescue efforts by Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard has been actively involved in the rescue operation. Local fishermen have also joined the mission, as they know the sea routes better than anyone. Their boats have been used to navigate through the high waves.
Due to bad weather, helicopters could not be deployed for the search. Authorities are depending on boats for the rescue mission. The strong currents in the Arabian Sea have made the task more difficult. Visibility in the region has also been reduced because of continuous rainfall.
The officials said every possible effort is being made to save the missing men. Families have gathered near the shore, hoping for good news.
Weather challenges for rescue operations
The weather has played a crucial role in complicating the rescue mission. Gujarat has been witnessing heavy rainfall for the past several days. On Tuesday, several coastal districts were hit by continuous downpours.
Meteorological reports suggest that heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue for the next two days. Because of this warning, rescue agencies are working under extremely difficult circumstances.
Officials have stated that waves in the Arabian Sea are much higher than usual. Strong winds are blowing across the coastal areas, increasing the risk for rescue teams. Despite these challenges, search operations are being carried out without pause.
NDRF and SDRF teams deployed
The Gujarat government has taken the situation seriously. Multiple teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed. Twelve NDRF teams and 20 SDRF teams have been stationed across different districts. These teams are on high alert to respond to any emergency caused by the monsoon.
According to officials, the focus remains on locating the eight missing fishermen. However, with heavy rainfall expected to continue, the possibility of more emergencies in the coastal districts cannot be ruled out. That is why authorities are ensuring that disaster response units are fully equipped and positioned at critical locations.
Impact on local fishing community
The accident has created fear among local fishermen. Many families depend entirely on fishing for survival. During monsoon season, the sea becomes dangerous, yet fishermen often take the risk because fishing is their only source of income.
The missing fishermen are from nearby coastal villages. Their families have gathered at the shore since Tuesday night. The community has urged the government to increase the number of rescue boats in the region. Fishermen believe that faster response and more modern equipment could help prevent loss of lives in such accidents.
Local leaders have also expressed concern. They have demanded better safety measures for fishing communities. Many are asking for insurance and financial support for families who lose their breadwinners at sea.
Government and administration response
The Gujarat administration has assured the public that all possible help will be provided. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mehul Barasara confirmed that the state is closely monitoring the situation. Senior officials are in touch with the Coast Guard to review progress in the rescue operation.
The state government has already placed disaster management teams on standby. Relief measures will be announced once the final report on the accident is available. At the same time, efforts are being made to strengthen coastal safety protocols.
The risk of monsoon fishing
Every year, fishermen face challenges during the monsoon. The sea becomes rough, and strong winds increase the risk of accidents. Despite repeated warnings from the weather department, many fishermen venture into the sea because their livelihood depends on it.
Experts suggest that stricter monitoring and better communication are needed. Alerts must reach fishermen in real time so that they can avoid going deep into the sea during rough weather. The government has been working on installing better radio communication systems for fishermen, but implementation has been slow.
Community voices and human stories
Behind the statistics, there are human lives and families waiting for answers. Relatives of the missing fishermen gathered at Jafrabad town through the night. Some women broke down as they pleaded for faster rescue. Children waited by the shore, asking when their fathers would return.
The rescued fishermen are in shock after the accident. They recounted the terrifying moment when waves overturned their boats. According to them, the sea turned violent within minutes. The boats could not withstand the strong currents and capsized quickly. Some men managed to swim until help arrived, while others disappeared into the stormy waters.
Current status of the rescue operation
As of now, the search for the missing fishermen continues. Boats are scanning the area around Jafrabad coast. The Coast Guard has expanded the search zone to cover a wider area. Officials say that chances of survival reduce with time, but hope is still alive.
The weather department has issued fresh warnings for the coming days. Rescue teams are racing against time before the situation worsens further. Officials have assured that the operation will continue until every effort is made to locate the missing men.
The Gujarat boat tragedy highlights the dangers of fishing in rough weather. It also brings attention to the urgent need for better safety systems. Fishermen are among the most vulnerable communities during the monsoon season. Their safety requires constant coordination between local authorities, the weather department, and disaster management agencies.
The coming days will decide the fate of the missing fishermen. For now, families, local communities, and rescue teams continue to hope for a miracle. The tragedy has once again reminded Gujarat of the power of nature and the risks faced by those who depend on the sea for survival.
