Intensive Search Underway for Missing Andhra Pradesh Fishermen

Search Operation in Bay of Bengal

Amaravati, Aug 20: A large-scale search effort is currently taking place in the Bay of Bengal for seven fishermen from Andhra Pradesh who ventured out to sea earlier this month, as reported by officials on Thursday.

The Agriculture Minister, Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, stated that the operation includes two Dornier aircraft, a helicopter, and seven vessels from both the Navy and the Coast Guard.

He mentioned that Navy boats are conducting extensive searches from Visakhapatnam towards Paradip, with one vessel also focused on the port area.

Dornier aircraft from Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, and Chennai are actively participating in the search.

A Navy helicopter from Kolkata has also been deployed to assist in the operation.

The minister emphasized that search sorties are ongoing in areas deemed most likely to yield results.

"We are utilizing all available resources to locate the missing fishermen, maintaining constant coordination among the Navy, Coast Guard, and Fisheries Department," he stated.

He assured that the search will persist until the fishermen are safely recovered.

The minister acknowledged the distress of the fishermen's families and expressed hope for their safe return.

Previously, V. Anitha, the Minister for Home and Disaster Management, instructed officials to enhance search efforts for the missing fishermen from Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

Officials reported that the boat encountered an accident approximately 12 nautical miles offshore.

One of the eight fishermen, Appanna, is currently unaccounted for following the incident. The minister sought updates on the status of the other fishermen.

According to an official statement, the Home Minister emphasized the need to utilize all resources to locate Appanna and reunite him with his family.

Anitha also highlighted the importance of increased vigilance for the safety of fishermen heading out to sea.

She assured that the search operations are being closely monitored and reiterated the government's support for the families of the missing fishermen.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the search efforts on Wednesday, urging officials to intensify operations to locate the missing fishermen.

During a virtual meeting with Minister Atchannaidu and officials, the Chief Minister inquired about the progress of the search and rescue initiatives.

The fishermen, hailing from Odalarevu, Dummalapeta, and Vasalathippa villages in Allavaram mandal of Ambedkar Konaseema district, set sail on August 3 and were expected to return by August 12.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the Coast Guard and Marine Police are actively conducting search operations, while the district administration is continuously overseeing the efforts.

Fishing boats from Kakinada, Bhairavapalem, Visakhapatnam, and Paradip have also been alerted and are aiding in gathering information regarding the missing vessel, according to officials.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu instructed officials to keep the families of the missing fishermen updated on the search operations regularly.