In a remarkable display of alertness and swift action, troops from the Floating Border Outpost (BOP) Ganga of the 118th Battalion, under the BSF South Bengal Frontier, successfully rescued the Indian fishing boat “Baba Neelkanth” and its 15 Fishermen. The boat was drifting uncontrollably downstream near Goren Khal in the Sunderbans on the morning of 17 September 2024, following bad weather and a lightning strike.
According to reports, at approximately 9 a.m. on 17 September, BSF personnel on patrol noticed a fishing boat adrift near Goren Khal, with people onboard crying for help. Acting promptly, the BSF deployed a rescue team to provide critical assistance.The boat had lost power after being struck by lightning on 10 September and lost communication. It was safely brought ashore and anchored at Floating BOP Ganga by BSF.
All the rescued fishermen, Indian citizens, had been legally fishing from 3 to 9 September 2024 with valid identification and fishing permits. They were stranded while returning due to sudden bad weather and the unexpected lightning strike.
The Public Relations Officer of the BSF South Bengal Frontier praised the rescue operation, calling it an example of the courage, professionalism, and dedication of BSF personnel in saving lives and securing India’s borders. He emphasized that the Sundarbans is a particularly challenging and risky region where the BSF remains vigilant in protecting the nation’s frontiers.
