Manguluru, Karnataka: In a pioneering move to address the health and safety of fishermen at sea, the Ullal Zone Boat (Nadadoni) and Gillnet Fishermen’s Association in coastal Karnataka have initiated the construction of a boat ambulance. This specialized vessel aims to offer immediate medical assistance to fishermen facing health issues or emergencies in the seas, as well as conduct rescue operations during accidents or floods.
With the fishing industry playing a pivotal role in the region’s economy, the annual turnover reaching several thousand crores, and a significant workforce involved, the absence of a swift medical response system at sea has been a pressing concern. The Ullal Zone Boat and Gillnet Fishermen’s Association have taken the lead in addressing this issue by launching the construction of a boat ambulance in Kadekar.
Funded by the Ullal Zone Boat and Gillnet Fishermen’s Association, along with contributions from the public, the boat ambulance is being built at a cost of approximately Rs 15 lakh. The construction is underway and is expected to be completed within three months. Once operational, the boat ambulance will be stationed near Ullal on the river banks and dispatched to provide medical aid if a fisherman falls ill at sea. Trained personnel will be on board to facilitate timely medical interventions and transport the fisherman to the shore for further treatment.
Hanif Solar, President of Ullal Zone Boat and Gillnet Fishermen’s Association, highlighted the urgency of this initiative, citing a recent incident where a fishing boat capsized, and timely rescue boats were unavailable. Abdul Ganif, General Secretary of the association, emphasized that the emergency boat would enhance response times during sea accidents in the Manguluru area, providing a dedicated and equipped vessel for prompt rescue operations.
In addition to healthcare services, the boat ambulance will also be utilized for flood rescue operations during the monsoon season, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of the coastal community.