Odisha's Gopalpur port rescues 50 fishing vessels stranded by Titli cyclone

Despite advisory, many trawlers were still undertaking fishing activities until the advent of the cyclonic storm

In a humanitarian gesture, the Gopalpur port provided shelter to the 50 fishing vessels stranded after severe cyclonic storm Titli struck south Odisha’s coast. The port officials also undertook the rescue of the crew members of some of the boats in close cooperation of the district administration, Odisha Disaster Response Force (ODRF) and Indian Coast Guard.

Gopalpur office became the node for the district administration and port authorities for rescue operations.

The safe shelter provided by the port put the safety of the port at risk with potential damage due to sunken vessels and under construction infrastructure. Nevertheless, the port authorities, under the guidance of the district administration, ODRF and Indian Coast Guard, prioritized the life of fishermen. Crew members of more than half a dozen vessels were rescued and provided shelter. The rescue efforts were jointly carried out.

The Indian Meteorological Department, Indian Coast Guard and various state government agencies had issued repeated advisories and specific caution notices for the fishermen not to venture out to sea and fishermen at sea to return to their respective bases. 

Despite this, many trawlers were still undertaking fishing activities until the advent of the cyclonic storm.