Boat Capsizes Off Andhra Coast: 2 Fishermen Drown, 4 Rescued

Headline:
Boat Capsizes Off Andhra Coast: 2 Fishermen Drown, 4 Rescued

Byline:
By Priya Menon, Maritime Correspondent
Updated: June 18, 2025, 19:30 IST

Breaking: Tragedy Strikes at Sea

Early on June 18, a fishing vessel with six crew aboard capsized roughly 12 nautical miles east of Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, amid unexpected high swells and strong onshore winds. Two fishermen lost their lives; the remaining four were plucked from the surf by an Indian Coast Guard fast-intervention craft.

“Our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” said Commander Arvind Sharma, Coast Guard Station Visakhapatnam. “All rescued crew are in stable condition and under medical observation.”
— Coast Guard Press Release (coastguard.gov.in)

5 Key Takeaways

1. Time & Location:
   • Distress call received at 04:45 IST on June 18.
   • Incident site: Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Machilipatnam.
2. Weather Conditions:
   • Sudden gusts up to 25 knots and swells of 2–3 meters.
   • Local fishermen had not anticipated such severity.
3. Casualties & Rescue:
   • 2 fishermen (aged 32 and 41) declared dead on arrival at Machilipatnam General Hospital.
   • 4 survivors rescued by ICG ship Samudra Tez and transferred to shore.
4. Cause Under Investigation:
   • Vessel reportedly overloaded with catch.
   • Mechanical failure of the bilge pump possible.
5. Official Response:
   • Andhra Pradesh Fisheries Department to review safety protocols.
   • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) placed on alert for future operations.

Expert Analysis

“Overloading and sudden weather shifts remain the leading causes of small‐boat capsizes in the Bay of Bengal,” explains Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Associate Professor of Maritime Safety at the Indian Maritime University.
“Improved early‐warning systems and mandatory safety drills—already in effect elsewhere—could reduce such tragedies by at least 30%.”
— IMU Profile

A 2023 peer‑reviewed study in the Journal of Ocean Engineering found that 47% of fishing‐boat incidents off India’s eastern coast were preventable with better equipment and training.

What Happens Next?

Investigations Underway

• Coast Guard Inquiry: Technical team to examine vessel hull, engine logs, and safety gear compliance.
• Fisheries Department Audit: Random inspections of registered fishing boats beginning next week.

Community Impact

• Local cooperatives are organizing grief counseling for the fishermen’s families.
• NGOs like the Fishermen’s Welfare Trust are distributing emergency radios and life jackets.

Daily Digest

Stay updated on maritime news in Andhra Pradesh:

• June 19, 10:00 IST: NDRF conducts coastal safety workshop in Machilipatnam.
• June 20, 14:00 IST: Andhra Fisheries Dept. to announce new subsidy for GPS units.

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