In a major maritime accident off the coast of Devbhumi Dwarka, reports emerged of a local fishing boat colliding with a Pakistani vessel on Mar 21.

The fatal accident cost the life of a 19-year-old fisherman, identified as Panjari Sayar, hailing from Beyt Dwarka. The whereabouts of six other fishermen remain unknown, raising speculation over their abduction.

The incident occurred while the fishing boat operating inside the Indian maritime border unexpectedly encountered a vessel from the Pakistan Marine Security Agency (PMSA).

Following this incident, the deceased Panjari Sayar’s body was shifted to Jamnagar for a post-mortem, following which it will be handed over to his family in Dwarka.

The debris from this wreckage has been reported to be spread approximately 12 nautical miles off Jakhau Port, Kutch.

Authorities, including the Okha Fisheries Officer, Indian Coast Guard, and Okha Marine Police, have been prompted to be actively involved in the ongoing search and rescue operations.

Furthermore, reports suggest that the PMSA has also addressed the incident via their social media channels.

According to sources closely associated with the incident, the wrecked fishing boat named ‘Al Husseini’ belonged to fisherman Panjari Irfan Ala.

It sailed into the waters from Beyt Dwarka on Mar 15, carrying seven crew members and fishermen for a routine fishing expedition. The crew onboard comprised individuals aged between 17 and 55 years.

In response, central agencies have been mobilised to conduct a thorough investigation.