The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship – Agrim – has successfully rescued seven Indian fishermen as they were apprehended by a Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) vessel, PMS Nusrat, near the India-Pakistan Maritime Boundary.
The operation took place after the ICG vessel intercepted the PMSA ship following a two-hour chase, firmly conveying that it would not allow the Pakistani vessel to detain the Indian fishermen.
The ICG team successfully retrieved the seven fishermen, all reported to be in stable medical condition. However, their fishing boat ‘Kaal Bhairav’ was damaged and sank during the operation.
After Agrim returned to Okha Harbour on 18 November, a joint investigation involving the Coast Guard, State Police, Intelligence Agencies, and Fisheries authorities was commenced.
“Indian Coast Guard ship Agrim deployed close to the maritime boundary line with Pakistan chased the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency ship PMS Nusrat after a chase of around two hours and clearly told them that under no condition, it would allow the Pakistani ship to take away Indian fishermen from fishing boat Kaal Bhairav from Indian waters,” defence officials were quoted as saying.
“ICG Ship returned Okha Harbour on November 18, where a joint investigation involving the ICG, State Police, Intelligence Agencies, and Fisheries authorities was undertaken to investigate the circumstances leading to the collision and the subsequent rescue operation,” an official statement said.
The successful rescue operation highlights the operational prowess of ICGS Agrim. Armed with a long-range gun and state-of-the-art navigation systems, it’s capable of operating continuously for seven days at sea. Its lightweight construction with extensive use of aluminum ensures superior speed and performance.
The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), a branch of the Pakistan Navy, is responsible for enforcing maritime law and protecting Pakistan’s interests in domestic and international waters. However, incidents such as this unauthorized detention of Indian fishermen raise concerns over its adherence to international maritime norms.