Sea Ambulance to be operational by August: Minister Mankal Vaidya

Sea Ambulance to be operational by August: Minister Mankal Vaidya

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 13, 2025: A long-standing demand of the coastal fishing community is set to be fulfilled with the launch of a sea ambulance service by August, announced Mankal Vaidya, Minister for Fisheries, Ports, and Inland Transport. Speaking at the inauguration of the new Bahar-e-Noor building, the office of the Mangaluru Coastal Minority Fishermen’s Primary Cooperative Society Ltd, Vaidya said the tender process for the service is currently under way.

Once operational, the sea ambulance will provide critical emergency medical assistance to fishermen at sea, significantly improving safety for the community.

The minister also shared updates on several key infrastructure projects. Tenders have been floated for the third phase of the Mangaluru Fishing Harbour development, along with other related works, with a total investment of ₹80 crore. This includes dredging activities to enhance navigability and port efficiency.

In a move welcomed by the fishing community, the government has increased the diesel subsidy quota from 1.5 lakh litres to 2 lakh litres. Efforts are being made to ensure the increased quota is utilised within five months, he added.

Dinesh Kumar K, Director of the Fisheries Department, stated that the newly inaugurated ice plant unit will be evaluated under the Matsya Sampada Yojana to determine the type of assistance it may receive. He also confirmed that the third phase of harbour development and associated works will commence soon.

Assembly Speaker U T Khader, who also took part in the event, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive fisheries policy tailored specifically for the coastal region. “Such a policy will help create long-term strategies for the welfare of fishing communities,” he said. Khader also voiced concern over unsustainable fishing practices and stressed the need for conservation. “Today, even people who have never seen the sea own boats. Fishermen must take responsibility for protecting marine ecosystems,” he noted.

To tackle overcrowding at the Mangaluru harbour, Khader announced the construction of a mini fishing jetty at Kotepura at a cost of ₹5 crore. He also revealed that a ₹200-crore proposal for a fisheries bridge connecting Bolar and Kotepura has received approval.

Mangaluru South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath expressed concern over delays in harbour development, pointing out that tenders for dredging under the Sagarmala scheme were floated nine times, and although the third phase was sanctioned two years ago, the work is yet to commence.

The event was presided over by J Mohammed Isaaq, President of the Cooperative Society.