Intensified Search for Missing Fishermen in Kerala After Boat Capsizes
Search Operations Intensified for Missing Fishermen
Kollam, August 7 - The coastal police of Kerala have ramped up their search efforts for a young man who went missing after a fishing boat capsized near Puthenthura on July 31. Authorities have confirmed that additional boats, drones, and personnel have been deployed to assist in the search for 26-year-old Gautam Krishna.
According to officials, helicopters and vessels from the Coast Guard are also participating in the search operation. Gautam's mother, Reshma, met with senior officials from the fisheries department and police at the Kollam coastal station on Thursday. Following the meeting, she informed reporters that the fisheries officials had indicated that certain search methods had not been utilized earlier due to the family's lack of request, but these methods would now be implemented.
After intervention from Union Minister Suresh Gopi and the Fisheries Minister, the coastal police and fisheries department decided to expand the search area and deploy more boats and personnel. Tragically, Gautam's father, Radhakrishnan (48), and grandfather, Rajeevan (74), also lost their lives in the incident, as they were aboard the same boat. The three were part of a group of 14 individuals who had gone fishing from Puthenthura on July 31.
While returning, their boat was struck by high waves near the estuary and capsized. Forest Minister Shibu Baby John informed reporters that the search operation has been ongoing since August 1, aided by helicopters from the Indian Coast Guard. He stated, 'We have also deployed drones for the search on Friday.'
Efforts are being made to locate Gautam by all possible means. Meanwhile, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPI(M), organized a march to the Kollam collectorate in protest against the alleged failure of authorities in the search for Gautam. When police prevented the protesters from entering the collectorate, they chanted slogans and attempted to breach the building. Eventually, the protesters staged a sit-in at the entrance of the collectorate, continuing their demonstrations.
In another case, the search continues for John (54) from Puluvila, who went missing in a separate boating accident near the Thiruvananthapuram coast on July 31. John's family recently protested outside the Vidhinham coastal police station, alleging that the search operation was not being conducted properly. They also called for experienced fishermen to be included in search efforts following such boating accidents, as they possess better knowledge of the sea.
Additionally, family members of Shijin (32), who went missing after a boat capsized near Muthalapozhi on July 31, protested outside the Anchuthengu coastal police station in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. Despite the rain, they sat on the road, claiming that an adequate search operation was not being conducted for Shijin. CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan visited the family to express support.
He accused the government of negligence in the search for the three missing fishermen, stating, 'The health minister mentioned that it takes time to recover bodies from the sea. No one even knows who the fisheries minister is.' He emphasized that the fishermen have been missing for eight days, yet no minister has met with their families.
Later in the evening, Transport Minister C.P. John visited Shijin's home to speak with the family. He informed reporters that ten fishermen familiar with the area would be part of the search team, expressing hope that the missing individuals would be found soon.
They plan to return to the site as the search operation is set to resume on Saturday morning. Fisheries Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor stated that a comprehensive campaign is underway to utilize all available resources in the search for fishermen missing due to various boating accidents along the Kerala coast. Gafoor mentioned that he has spoken with the residents of Neendakara and will also reach out to those from Muthalapozhi.
He assured that officials are in constant contact with the affected families and that regular updates are being provided. The minister emphasized that the immediate priority is to strengthen the search operation and locate the missing fishermen.
He added, 'We review the situation daily. We are hopeful for positive outcomes and are making every possible effort.' The Kerala government has issued a statement detailing the steps taken daily since the incidents of fishermen going missing on July 31. According to the statement, a joint search and rescue operation led by the fisheries department, marine enforcement team, Indian Coast Guard, coastal police, and district administration is ongoing in the Muthalapozhi, Vidhinham, and Neendakara areas to locate the missing fishermen.