7 Andhra fishermen missing at sea for 3 weeks found alive off Bengal coast

Seven Andhra Pradesh fishermen, who had been missing at sea for over three weeks, were found alive off the coast of West Bengal on Wednesday. The boat owner, Ramakrishna Varma, and six others - Kollati Srinubabu, Yesudas, Palepu Shantar Rao, Karri Ramudu, Katadi Satish Kumar, and Sangadi Tatarao - were located by a Kolkata fishing boat.

They were brought to safety near Shankarpur Fishing Harbour and taken to a hospital for precautionary medical examinations. Their health was reported to be stable, and they would likely return home by Friday.

The fishermen had set out from Odalarevu Fish Landing Centre on August 3rd. Their journey was hampered by mechanical issues; the boat's clutch-plate failed on August 4th, followed by a gearbox failure in the engine. Despite repairs, the engine stopped functioning completely on the fourth day, leaving the men stranded in the dangerous Bay of Bengal.

They endured harsh conditions, including scorching heat, rain, and hunger, as they drifted helplessly for days without mobile phone signal. With dwindling provisions, they rationed their food, consuming only once every two days. They were eventually rescued when a Kolkata fishing boat spotted their vessel and called for help. The fishermen's families expressed immense relief upon receiving news of their safe return.