Mariyam, a fishing boat registered in Tamil Nadu with 11 crew onboard, sounded a distress call after running out of fuel nearly 96 nautical miles (175 km) off the coast of Ratnagiri. An Indian Coast Guard (ICG) spokesperson said a VHF call was received about a stranded fishing boat requesting towing assistance. The boat had set sail from Kochi harbour on January 7, and is said to be drifting since February 2. The Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre is in touch with the boat’s owners in Tamil Nadu, and ithe TN Fisheries department. The ICG has diverted one ship patrolling off the coast of Maharashtra to the boat’s location, and another ship based at Ratnagiri is being sent to ascertain the location and provide help.
2018, The Hindu