Thirteen students from the Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) were rescued by Drishti Marine lifesavers after the fishing trawler they were travelling on ran aground on a sandbar nearly 200 metres off Miramar beach during a marine study tour. The prompt rescue ensured that all students escaped unharmed.
The rescue operation was launched from Drishti Marine’s newly deployed floating Seahorse platform at Miramar. Lifesaver captain Shahish Ballikar spotted the stranded trawler and, along with fellow lifesaver Swapnil Khandolkar, rushed to the spot on a jet ski. An initial attempt to tow the vessel using a nearby trawler failed after the towing rope snapped.
With the situation becoming increasingly tense, Drishti Marine deployed a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to evacuate all 13 students—nine women and four men—from the stranded vessel. The students were safely brought ashore without any injuries. Officials credited the rapid response and the newly installed Seahorse platform for significantly reducing rescue time and preventing a potential tragedy.
Drishti Marine said the incident highlights the importance of enhanced coastal safety infrastructure, especially during educational and recreational marine activities. The floating Seahorse platforms have been introduced at key beaches to improve surveillance and enable quicker response to emergencies at sea.
