Sea turns rough ahead of cyclone Phailin landfall

KENDRAPARA(ODISHA): With Cyclone Phailin apprehended to hit the land at Gopalpur in less than 24 hours from now, the sea has already turned turbulent forcing the fishing vessels that had ventured into the deep sea to return.

Paradip Marine Fisheries Officer Ranjit Keshari Dash said there were no reports of any fishing vessel stranded in the deep sea.

Four fishermen were rescued during the day after their motorised vessel capsized near Agarnasi, close to Gahirmatha and Bhitarkanika marine sanctuaries, officials said.

These fishermen had ventured into the sea three days ago despite the cyclone warning issued.

They were rescued and brought to safety by a vessel dispatched by the marine fisheries department, he added.

Kendrapara district and Paradip in Jagatsinghpur were among the worst affected in the super cyclone of 1999.