Seven fishermen had a close call when their boat caught fire 28 nautical miles off the coast of Anakapalli district near Pudimadaka in the early hours of June 18 (Tuesday).

The fishermen managed to escape unharmed after being rescued by the crew of nearby boats.

V. Janakiram, President of the Mechanised Fishing Boat Operators, reported that the fishermen had set out on their journey shortly after the fishing ban was lifted on June 15.

"Upon noticing a fire in the engine, the crew tried unsuccessfully to extinguish it. Realizing the danger, they jumped into the sea and swam for about an hour before being noticed and rescued by other fishing boats in the vicinity," said Janakiram, noting that there were approximately 150 fishing boats nearby at the time.

The seven fishermen, all from Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, were safely brought back to shore. The Fishing Department has estimated the loss due to the fire to be around ₹33 lakh.

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