Narrow escape for 18 fishermen as boat catches fire in Alibaug

NEW DELHI: At least 18 fishermen were rescued after a fire broke out on a fishing boat belonging to Rakesh Gan in the early hours of Friday. The incident occurred approximately 6-7 nautical miles off the coast of Akshi in Alibaug.

The incident occurred around 3-4am, causing panic among the 18 crew members onboard. Upon receiving distress signals, the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy swiftly launched a rescue operation.

All 18 crew members were successfully evacuated from the burning vessel and brought to safety.
Raigad superintendent of police stated that there were no casualties and timely intervention by the rescue teams prevented any major loss of life.
Indian Coast Guard ship Savitri Bai Phule, while on patrol off the Mumbai coast, spotted a private boat engulfed in flames.
Responding swiftly, the Coast Guard vessel confirmed that all fishermen aboard had safely transferred to another boat in the vicinity. The crew immediately initiated firefighting operations to contain the blaze.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and an investigation is under way.
Mumbai boat tragedy
A ferry carrying 110 people, including children and crew, capsized en route to Elephanta Island from Mumbai’s Gateway of India after being struck by a Navy speedboat, resulting in over 10 deaths, including 10 civilians and a Naval officer in December, 2024.
The incident occurred around 6:30 pm near Uran, Karanja, when a naval speedboat undergoing sea trials lost control and collided with the ferry Neelkamal.
Officials revealed that the vessel’s engine had been recently replaced and was being tested when it got stuck at full throttle, making it impossible to steer away.
A widely circulated video captured the speedboat attempting to turn and avoid impact but ultimately crashing into the ferry off the Mumbai coast.