Heavy rains: More than 200 boats drop anchor  

Mangaluru: In the backdrop of strong winds and heavy rains, a large number of fishing boats have dropped anchor. More than 200 boats can be found anchored on the sea side  near the entrance to the port and due to this, it depicts an hindrance for the free passage of the Indian coast guard ships in case of venturing into the sea for search and rescue mission.

Later, the fishing boats anchored at the Panambur break water were moved and then ICGS Amartya ventured into the sea to keep a look out.

In the backdrop of the fall in air pressure in the Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep area, the Indian meteorological department has predicted heavy rains, accompanied with lightning and thunder and hence Red Alert was announced for a period of two days since Thursday. The department also warned the fishermen from not to venturing out into the sea during this period.

Coast guard plane on alert

In the backdrop of the sea turning violent, the coast guard has kept ready its plane to handle any emergency situation.