Bhatkal – Three fishermen were injured when a fishing vessel collided with their small boat, causing it to overturn. The incident took place on Tuesday evening at around 4:30 PM near the Tengingundi harbor in Bhatkal. The injured fishermen were immediately shifted to Bhatkal Government Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.

One of the injured fishermen, Mohammed Jaffer (50), narrated that he, along with his companions Mohammed Hassan Dangi (62) and Manjunath Moger (55), had ventured approximately 15 kilometers from Tengingundi harbor into the sea for fishing. They were preparing to cast their fishing nets when a fishing vessel suddenly hit their small boat. The impact caused the boat to overturn, throwing all three fishermen into the sea. The collision also caused damage to the boat.

According to Jaffer, it is not uncommon for such accidents to occur at night when visibility is low. However, this incident happened in broad daylight at around 4:30 PM, which makes it unusual. After the collision, the fishermen struggled to stay afloat. Fortunately, some fishermen in the vicinity spotted them and immediately dispatched three boats for their rescue.

The rescue boats successfully pulled the injured fishermen out of the sea and brought them to safety. They also managed to stop the vessel responsible for the collision. The injured fishermen were admitted to Bhatkal Government Hospital, and two of them, who sustained severe injuries, were referred to a private hospital for further scans. According to the doctors, all three fishermen are out of danger.

The Coastal Security Police have been informed about the incident. The injured fishermen have demanded strict action against the negligent operators of the vessel. They highlighted that the collision not only endangered their lives but also caused significant damage to their boat.