Seven fishermen rescued off Nellore coast as Cyclone Murasu batters Bay of Bengal
Synopsis
Seven fishermen whose boat engine failed half a kilometre from Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour were saved after their vessel's anchor snapped and the boat drifted to Patakadapalem — all while Cyclone Murasu churned the Bay of Bengal into dangerous seas. The rescue, credited to swift coordination between Marine Police, Fisheries officials and local fishermen, highlights the acute risk coastal communities face each time a Bay of Bengal storm intensifies.
Key Takeaways
Seven fishermen were rescued off Potti Sriramulu Nellore district , Andhra Pradesh on 2 November 2026 .
The boat's engine failed approximately half a kilometre from the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour entrance.
The anchor subsequently snapped, causing the vessel to drift to the village of Patakadapalem before it was brought ashore.
Severe cyclonic storm 'Murasu' in the Bay of Bengal was responsible for the rough sea conditions.
District Collector Himanshu Shukla credited the Fisheries Department , Marine Police , and local fishermen for the successful rescue.
Authorities have advised all fishermen to stay off the sea until conditions improve.
Seven fishermen stranded in the Bay of Bengal after their boat engine failed were rescued safely off the coast of Potti Sriramulu Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh on Monday, 2 November 2026. The rescue came amid rough sea conditions triggered by severe cyclonic storm 'Murasu', which has prompted authorities to bar fishermen from venturing into the sea.
How the Fishermen Got Stranded
The seven fishermen had set out on a fishing trip from the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in the Kavali constituency. Noticing a deterioration in weather conditions, they attempted to return to the harbour. However, the boat's engine failed while they were still roughly half a kilometre from the harbour entrance, leaving them adrift in increasingly hostile waters.
The Rescue Operation
Surveillance staff stationed at the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour spotted the stricken vessel and immediately alerted the relevant authorities. Officials from the Fisheries Department and the Marine Police, supported by local fishermen, launched rescue operations. High-intensity sea waves initially made it difficult to reach the boat.
The situation grew more critical when the boat's anchor snapped, causing the vessel to drift towards the village of Patakadapalem under the force of strong waves. Rescue teams followed the drifting boat, coordinating efforts until they were able to bring it safely ashore at Patakadapalem. All seven fishermen were brought to land unharmed.
What District Officials Said
District Collector Himanshu Shukla credited the successful rescue to coordinated and prompt action by the Fisheries Department, Marine Police, and local fishermen. He commended surveillance personnel and all those involved for their presence of mind. The Collector also issued a fresh advisory urging fishermen to remain vigilant during adverse weather and to strictly follow official instructions.
Cyclone Murasu and Ongoing Alerts
The rough sea conditions are a direct consequence of severe cyclonic storm 'Murasu', currently active in the Bay of Bengal. Authorities had already advised fishermen in the district not to venture into the sea, and those already at sea were instructed to return immediately. This rescue underscores the scale of risk coastal fishing communities face when cyclonic systems develop rapidly in the Bay of Bengal — a pattern that has recurred with increasing frequency in recent years along the Andhra Pradesh coastline.
With Cyclone Murasu still active, authorities are expected to maintain heightened coastal surveillance in the coming days.
Point of View
Not centralised systems, that triggered the rescue chain. The Bay of Bengal is among the world's most cyclone-prone basins, and as Murasu illustrates, storms can intensify faster than fishing communities can respond. Investing in real-time engine-failure alerts and mandatory AIS transponders for small fishing craft would be a more durable fix than post-rescue commendations.
NationPress
2 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the seven fishermen off the Nellore coast?
Seven fishermen from Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour were stranded at sea on 2 November 2026 after their boat engine failed roughly half a kilometre from the harbour entrance. They were rescued safely and brought ashore at Patakadapalem by Marine Police, Fisheries Department officials, and local fishermen.
Why were sea conditions so dangerous near Nellore on 2 November?
Severe cyclonic storm 'Murasu' was active in the Bay of Bengal, generating rough seas and high-intensity waves along the Andhra Pradesh coast. Authorities had already issued advisories barring fishermen from venturing out to sea.
How was the rescue carried out?
Surveillance staff at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour spotted the stricken vessel and alerted authorities. Marine Police and Fisheries Department officials, aided by local fishermen, launched the operation. When the boat's anchor snapped and it drifted to Patakadapalem, rescue teams followed and eventually brought it safely ashore.
Who commended the rescue teams, and what advisory was issued?
District Collector Himanshu Shukla praised the Fisheries Department, Marine Police, surveillance staff, and local fishermen for their prompt and coordinated response. He also advised all fishermen to remain vigilant and strictly follow official instructions during adverse weather at sea.
Are fishermen in the area still at risk from Cyclone Murasu?
Yes. As of 2 November, Cyclone Murasu remains active in the Bay of Bengal. Authorities have continued to advise fishermen in Nellore district not to venture into the sea, and those already at sea have been asked to return to shore immediately.
