There were diesel cans too, floating on the sea, tearing at their nets. That however didn't deter the fisherfolk in any way, considering the fact that the tyres more than made up for any money lost on torn fishing nets.

But their happiness didn't last too long; soon after they reached their homes, the police -- who had caught on to the news -- were on the look-out and recovered 29 tyres from them, worth Rs 11 lakh.According to circle inspector N D Birje and sub-inspector Chandrashekhar, the tyres are manufactured by one Yanthai company, with a trademark `Ling Long'. Each tyre, weighing 350 kg, can carry a load of 7,730 kg, and stands 5 feet high.

It is estimated that they cost Rs 40,000 each.