Alappuzha (Keralam) | Forty-two fishermen were rescued after their boat developed a shaft problem and became stranded near Azhikkal harbour here on Thursday, the Keralam government said.

The Fisheries Department received information at around 6.25 am that the fishing boat 'Onkaram' had become stranded after the shaft connected to its propeller was damaged.

A Fisheries patrol boat and a rescue team were immediately sent to the spot on the instructions of the Assistant Director of Fisheries, Thottappally, an official release said here.

The boat, along with all 42 fishermen on board, was safely brought to Azhikkal harbour around 8.45 am, it said.