Monday, January 10 2005 17:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Port Blair: In a major rescue operation, Indian Coast Guard today (Jan 10, 2005) saved 35 Bangladeshi fishermen who were drifted to Indian Territory and landed at an island.

The Bangladeshi fishermen who were in one boat landed at Narcondam Island, 475 north of Port Blair from where the Indian Coast Guard ship 'Akkadevi' rescued them, Defence PRO Salil Mehta told sources in Port Blair.

He said that the Bangladeshis had set sail in three boats on December 28, but two of their boats were taken away by the sea pirates and they were left with only one boat.

After landing, they understood that it was Indian Territory and approached the local police station in the island, which in turn had alerted the Andaman and Nicobar command.

'CGS Akkadevi' which was on patrol, was diverted to the island and rescued them. They were taken to Port Blair, he said adding that they were given medical attention and food, he said.

This was the second such rescue operation. Four Indonesian sailors had been rescued by a naval ship last week.