31 Bangladeshi fishermen rescued by Indian Coast Guard

Kolkata, Aug 18 (PTI) The Indian Coast Guard rescued 31Bangladeshi fishermen aboard two fishing boats which becamenon-operational due to engine failure in mid seas, officialssaid today. The Fishing boats Allar-dan had 15 fishermen and Farhad 16fishermen in them. The rescue operation was undertaken during bad weatherwhich had developed owing to the low pressure off the WestBengal coast on August 16 and 17, the officials said. The crew of Allar-dan have been shifted to a local fishingboat and Farhad towed to Frazerganj with the help of localfishing boats. The fishermen were provided food and medical assistance byIndian Coast Guard. "Coast Guard is maintaining enhanced vigil in view of theextremely rough sea conditions and we are ever prepared torender any kind of assistance to seamen in distress," saidCoast Guard Inspector General KR Nautiyal. PTI NIK NNMRJ