Epitome of bravery! Fisherman Milan Tare bestowed with Coast Guard award for saving 12 lives from drowning

Palghar, July 3: ‘Vachva!’ came a voice from the rushing waters on a dark night waning under the crescent moon. The high wave which is common on the Konkan coast from early May before the sea becomes dangerous for small boats during the monsoon wasn’t tough enough to consider heading back to shore.

The voice gets clear and crispy as Milan Tare 42, in his boat ‘Dharti’ recognized the voice it was Bunty, in his ‘Shivneri’, the boat furthest from the coast, yelling for help. Tare looked out where Bunty’s boat should be, but its navigation lights, which he had seen a little while ago, weren’t visible. He didn’t think twice. He released his nets and steered his boat into the eight-foot waves while shouting out on the wireless to the rest of the fleet.

Not even thinking for a second, Tare took to the expedition and headed to save Bunty whose boast had almost sunk. There were around 12 members in the boat fighting to save themselves from drowning. By then another boat had caught up, and Milan Tare kept going into the dark until he heard screams and spotted Shivneri’s 12 crew members clinging to lifebuoys, automobile inner tubes and the polystyrene blocks used as floats.

Bravery comes through your deeds, your accomplishment of achieving anything fearlessly. Milan Tare’s bravery won him the National Maritime Search and Rescue award, and on July 5, he will visit the national capital, his first trip, to receive it. The National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSAR) recognize search and rescue efforts by merchant mariners, Government vessels, and fishermen every year.

Saving lives of the people drowning in the sea, Milan Tare has set an example for the people. Milan Tare is a father of two, lives in Satpati village with his wife, daughters, parents, and brothers. After completing his HSC, he learned the ropes of fishing on his family boat before opting for a regular job on land.