Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Fishermen Describe 23-Day Sea Ordeal After Engine Failure
Seven fishermen went fishing but their boat’s engine stopped working.
The problem was in the engine’s gearbox, and repairs did not work.
Sea currents pushed the boat toward the West Bengal coast.
They were stuck for 23 days.
Their food and drinking water eventually ran out.
They collected rainwater and drank melted ice water to survive.
They could not call for help because there was no mobile signal and their VHF messages received no response.
The district collector told officials to improve safety training and ensure boats carry enough supplies and repair tools.
Seven fishermen returned safely after being stranded at sea for 23 days.
Their boat’s old lorry engine developed a gearbox problem and could not be repaired.
Sea currents carried the disabled boat toward the West Bengal coast.
The fishermen ran out of food and drinking water, collecting rainwater and drinking melted ice water.
The collector ordered better emergency training and essential supplies and communication equipment on every fishing boat.
- Who
- Seven fishermen, Konaseema district officials, Coast Guard and Marine Police representatives, and Fisheries Department officials.
- What
- The fishermen described surviving 23 days stranded at sea after their boat’s engine gearbox failed.
- When
- The interaction took place on Monday after the fishermen returned safely from the 23-day ordeal.
- Where
- The meeting was held at the Amalapuram Collectorate; the boat was carried by currents toward the West Bengal coast.
- Why
- The boat became immobile after its old lorry engine developed a gearbox problem, while the fishermen could not contact rescuers because of a lack of mobile signals and ineffective VHF messages.
- Fishermen involved
- Seven
- Time stranded
- 23 days
- Engine problem
- A gearbox failure in an old lorry engine fitted to the boat
- Food and water
- Supplies ran out during the ordeal
- Emergency water sources
- Rainwater and melted ice water
- Communication problems
- No mobile phone signal; VHF messages received no response
- Collector’s directions
- Carry adequate food, drinking water, repair kits, safety equipment and communication equipment, and improve emergency training