CHENNAI: The Indian Coast Guard has appealed to fishermen to return to the nearest harbour and said it has already shepherded 985 fishing boats from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry as a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclone.

To ensure the safety of seafarers and fishing communities, the Coast Guard's Eastern Region has launched extensive outreach to those at sea.

"Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft over the sea, along with radar stations along the coasts, are alerting fishermen to exercise caution and requesting fishing vessels to return to the nearest harbour at the earliest," a press release issued on Friday said.

All oil rig operators in the area have also been contacted and advised to remain alert to safeguard their assets.

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