Once more, the Indian Coast Guard has thwarted Pakistan’s malevolent plans at sea. Indian Coast Guard chased a Pakistani ship into Indian waters on Sunday and apprehended Indian fishermen before rescuing them.
Defence officials informed ANI that the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency vessel PMS Nusrat had taken seven Indian fishermen from the Indian maritime region after kidnapping them. These fishermen were aboard a fishing vessel named ‘Kaal Bhairav’.
Authorities stated that upon receiving the information, the Indian Coast Guard vessel ‘Agrim’ pursued the Pakistani ship in the region. Following a pursuit lasting around two and a half hours, the Indian Coast Guard vessel sent a strong message to the Pakistanis that they will not permit the removal of the Indian fishermen at any cost. Following this event, the fishermen were released from the Pakistani vessel.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon as reported in the ICG press release, detailing the Coast Guard’s reception of a distress signal from an Indian boat. This fishing boat was engaged in fishing activities close to the area where fishing is prohibited.
The statement issued stated that during a call at approximately 15.30 pm, it was reported that the Pakistani Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) intercepted the Indian fishing boat ‘Kaal Bhairav’. The Pakistanis have taken into custody seven Indian crew members aboard this boat.
Right after the call, the ICG activated and moved its vessel towards the maritime border between India and Pakistan. The statement mentioned that despite the Pakistani ship moving away, the ICG vessel intercepted it and persuaded the crew to let go of the seven Indian fishermen they had captured.
As per the Indian Coast Guard’s report, the health of all seven fishermen is stable. India’s vessel Kal Bhairav was destroyed and went under during the incident. The ICG ship arrived at Okha port on Monday. A collaborative effort was carried out by the ICG, Gujarat Police, intelligence agencies, and the Fisheries Department in conducting a joint investigation.