Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)
from special correspondent

Panaji, Aug 6: As incessant rains continued to lash the Konkan and Goa coast, the Indian Coast Guard mounted its off-shore surveillance.

"Fortunately there is no SOS call till now, but we have kept the infrastructure ready for any eventuality," Comdt P M Dangi, Dy Inspector General of Indian Coast Guard, said.

Heavy rains have pounded the state over the last week, with the sea turning turbulent which is dangerous for off shore vessels.

Dangui said coast guard helicopters frequently fly off-shore to check any distress calls. "Also our patrol vessels are at sea now," he added.

Though ban on fishing in the state was lifted on August 1, fishing trawlers could not venture out due to rough weather. "Many of our trawlers had to come back within few hours of sailing," Sitakant Parab, Chairman, Mandov Fishing Co-operative Society, said.

"No sizeable catch could be got. We are waiting for the sea to calm", he added.

For the fishermen, the season began on an ominous note when a trawler sank off the Goa coast two days ago, drowning a fisherman while four swam to safety.