Seven fishermen had a narrow escape after their fishing boat capsized near the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour on Thursday morning due to rough sea conditions caused by a well-marked low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.
According to officials, the boat overturned after being hit by strong waves while the fishermen were casting their nets. The vessel drifted towards the harbour’s tetrapods, where the crew clung to the overturned boat until they were rescued.
Two fishermen, Tata Rao and Akash, sustained serious injuries and were admitted to King George Hospital (KGH) for treatment, while the remaining five escaped without injuries.
The accident also caused significant financial losses, with the boat and fishing nets—worth an estimated ₹4.5 lakh—being completely destroyed. The affected fishermen have appealed to the state government for financial assistance to help them resume their livelihood.
State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured and urged the Fisheries Department to strengthen safety awareness among fishermen during adverse weather conditions.
The incident is the third major fishing accident in the Bay of Bengal this month, highlighting the dangers posed by rough seas during the ongoing monsoon season.
