Berhampur, Sept 22: The depression over the Bay of Bengal is strengthening and is expected to intensify into a deep depression within the next 12 hours, leading to rough sea conditions along the Odisha coast.

Amid the worsening weather, more than 27 fishing trawlers from Andhra Pradesh are reportedly stranded in the sea near Aryapalli, off Chhatrapur in Ganjam district.

According to reports, the trawlers ventured into the sea despite warnings issued by the administration. They later became stranded as strong winds, rough seas and high tides made navigation difficult.

The Ganjam district administration has initiated rescue efforts and has already managed to bring some of the stranded trawlers to safety. Necessary assistance is being provided to fishermen and efforts are underway to rescue the remaining boats.

Authorities had earlier advised fishermen not to venture into the sea in view of the developing weather system and the possibility of deteriorating conditions.

The administration is closely monitoring the situation and has stepped up preparedness to deal with any further deterioration in weather conditions.