Emergency ambulance boat for fishermen from Jan 26

Mangaluru: An emergency ambulance boat, built and designed by the Ullal Zone Nadadoni and Gillnet Fishermen's Union to assist fishermen during medical emergencies at sea, will be inaugurated on Jan 26.It is constructed at an approximate Rs 16 lakh, including Rs 10 lakh raised through public donations. The vessel, built by Pushparaj, has the capacity to carry up to 30 people. The project aims to address medical emergencies arising from accidents, rough weather, or sudden illness while fishermen are at sea.Hameed Solar, a fisherman and president of the union, told TOI the absence of such facilities along the coast has hampered rescue efforts. "There are no dedicated medical rescue boats along this coastline, making emergency response extremely difficult. Fishermen often face accidents due to rough seas, capsised boats, onboard falls, or health issues. Returning to shore in such conditions is difficult. This boat ambulance has been a long-pending demand of fishermen who depend on fishing for their livelihood," he added.The boat will operate from the Ullal Jetty and be manned by a 15-member trained team, including drivers and medical personnel. Equipped with sirens, emergency red lights, night-vision cameras, oxygen cylinders, medical kits, life jackets, and other rescue equipment, the vessel will function both as a medical ambulance and a rescue boat. Union members said plans are in place to upgrade the boat with high-speed engines and advanced equipment with govt funding in the future.As part of the inauguration, the boat ambulance will be brought from Nethravati Bridge to Kotepura with around 100 boats. Karnataka assembly speaker UT Khader will inaugurate the engine, while former MLC BM Farooq will inaugurate the boat. The union will facilitate SCDCC Bank chairman MN Rajendra Kumar.