Coast Guard rescues crew of two Bangladeshi fishing boats

Kolkata, Aug 18 (IANS) The Coast Guard has rescued 31 crew members of two Bangladeshi fishing boats off the West Bengal coast after the vessels became non-operational due to engine failure in the mid-seas.

The boat 'Allar-dan' with 15 crew and 'Farhad' with 16 crew were evacuated on August 16-17 in inclement weather triggered by low pressure off the coast.

The Allar-dan crew was shifted to a local fishing boat whereas Farhad along with its crew was towed to Frazerganj (West Bengal) with the help of local fishing boats, a Coast Guard statement said.

The rescued fishermen were provided food and medical assistance by the Coast Guard.

The entire operation was coordinated by Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (North East).

"We are maintaining enhanced vigil in view of the extremely rough sea conditions. We are ever prepared to render any assistance to seamen in distress," Headquarters Inspector General K.R. Nautiyal said.