400 Gujarat fishermen stranded in Arabian Sea

As many as 400 fishermen from Gujarat are stranded in the Arabian Sea, 40 nautical miles off Daman coast in south Gujarat, due to the cyclonic storm advancing towards the state.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, called a review meeting of the state Disaster Management Authority, the revenue department and district administration in view of the impending cyclone and directed the district administration to keep an eye on the changing weather and take appropriate measures.

Daman and Diu Fisheries Department official Abhilasha Agarwal said, "Nearly 400 fishermen, who had ventured into the sea in about 60 boats, are stranded. These fishermen had left the coast two days ago before the cyclone warning was issued, so they were not aware of the weather situation."

According to the weather office, cyclonic storm Phyan is expected to hit south Gujarat and north Maharashtra by late Wednesday evening, following a deep depression formed in the south-east and adjoining Central Arabian Sea.

Rains and strong winds blowing at 30-35 km per hour were experienced in the coastal districts of Surat, Valsad and Bhavnagar today morning, with thick clouds in many parts of the state.