Paradip Port opens safe harbour to fishing boats amid cyclonic weather, coordinates rescue and relief operations

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, JULY 6, 2026

Responding swiftly to severe cyclonic weather conditions over the Bay of Bengal, Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has activated emergency measures to provide safe shelter and logistical assistance to mechanised fishing boats seeking refuge from rough seas, while also coordinating rescue and relief operations for distressed vessels.

As of Monday, 36 fishing boats had taken shelter at the NQ3 and EQ1 berths of Paradip Port. Of these, 32 boats are from Andhra Pradesh and other outside regions, while four are local fishing vessels. With adverse weather conditions persisting, more boats are expected to arrive at the port over the coming hours.

The emergency response was initiated following an urgent request from the Department of Fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh, which informed the Port Authority that several mechanised fishing boats operating near Paradip and Gopalpur were unable to return to the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour due to strong winds, heavy rainfall and turbulent sea conditions. Recognising the serious threat to the lives of fishermen, Paradip Port Authority immediately coordinated with the concerned agencies to facilitate safe berthing and extend all necessary logistical support.

In a parallel rescue operation, the Odisha Marine Police and the Indian Coast Guard successfully assisted a distressed fishing vessel after IND-AP-V5-MM-872, carrying 10 crew members, developed engine failure off the Puri coast.

The stranded fishermen were rescued by another Andhra Pradesh fishing vessel, IFB Simhadri Apna (IND-AP-V5-MM-378). With all 20 persons safely onboard, the vessel was escorted to Paradip Harbour by Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS C-426.

Deputy Commandant Ajoy Chetri, District Operations & Plans Officer, Commander (Odisha), formally requested Paradip Port Authority to facilitate safe berthing and provide the necessary logistical support to the distressed vessel and its crew upon arrival at the port.

Paradip Port Authority remains on high alert and is working in close coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, Odisha Marine Police, the Government of Andhra Pradesh and other stakeholders to ensure the safety of fishermen and provide secure harbour facilities for vessels affected by the cyclonic weather.

Reaffirming its commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian assistance, Paradip Port Authority said it stands ready to support the fishing community and all vessels seeking refuge during adverse weather conditions.