Specialised rescue devices were distributed to 1,800 fishermen across Tamil Nadu on Wednesday for safeguarding their lives during emergencies, a senior fisheries department official said. The device, called DAT-90 (distress alert transmitters), can be used by fishermen to send alarm signals to the Coast Guard in case of an emergency. While 1,600 such devices were distributed to fishermen across the state, 200 were given to fishermen in Rameswaram on Wednesday, assistant director of fisheries department Gopinath said. The equipment, each costing Rs 15,920, has been provided at a subsidised rate to the fishermen. While the Centre would bear 75% of the total cost, the state would provide 15% and the fishermen the balance 10%, he said. Explaining the salient features of DAT-90, Gopinath said a warning button on the equipment, when pressed in an emergency, would transmit a signal to the Coast Guard, who could then rush immediately to the spot and rescue the fishermen. The fishermen can procure the transmitter from the fisheries department by making the payment in the form of a demand draft. There are about one lakh fishing boats in Tamil Nadu and all of them were eligible to receive them, he added.
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