Three fibreglass patrol vessels sanctioned

Three fibreglass patrol boats have been sanctioned for saving fishermen in distress while fishing in mid-sea, officials said.
The boats had been sanctioned following request from the fishermen of Kanyakumari, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli.
Presently there was only one boat for attending to distress calls. But that boat also did not have a proper driver,and it remained idle and anchored since 1996.Now the boat had been repaired and made operational, Joint Director of fisheries, Amal Xavier, said.
He said three boats, costing Rs.15 lakh each, had been sanctioned now. The boats with 40HP engine and communication equipment would be operated round the clock.

Three drivers and three seamen have been recruited to operate the boats, he added.