Eight fishermen missing off Konaseema: Coast Guard scales up search

The Indian Coast Guard has intensified its search for a mechanised fishing boat, MO 135, which has been missing in the Bay of Bengal since August 7 with eight fishermen aboard. The boat had set out from the Odalarevu fish landing centre in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh on August 3 for a deep-sea tuna fishing trip.

The fishermen last contacted their families by phone on August 7, stating that they were moving towards the Odisha coast. They were expected to return by August 10. When they did not arrive, their families alerted the authorities on August 17, prompting the launch of a coordinated search operation.

At a joint press conference held on Tuesday, District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar said the Coast Guard’s Kakinada and Visakhapatnam units were actively involved in the search. “They have shared the details of the boat and the fisherfolk with their ships patrolling the Bay of Bengal,” he said. He also added that fishing boats operating from Kakinada and Uppada fish landing points have been informed about the missing vessel and asked to remain vigilant.

Superintendent of Police Rahul Meena said a missing case has been registered at the Allavaram police station. “We are coordinating the search operation with the Indian Coast Guard, the Andhra Pradesh Marine Police, and fishing boats currently at sea,” he said.

The missing fishermen have been identified as Karri Ramudu, K. Ramakrishna, S. Thatharao, Esudasu, Palepu Santarao, and Kollati Srinivas, all from Odalarevu village. The remaining two are from Kakinada.

The boat carried 1,000 litres of diesel, against the 600 litres normally required for the trip, and food provisions sufficient for 17 days. According to the Fisheries Department, these supplies are expected to last until August 20. The vessel is equipped with a VHF radio set, and the crew had mobile phones at the time of departure.

Authorities have asked fishing boats operating out of Kakinada, Bhairavapalem, Visakhapatnam, and Paradip to report any sighting of the missing boat or its crew. The State Disaster Management Authority has also been alerted to assist in the efforts.

The Coast Guard has deployed ships and aircraft to scan the sea routes the boat was likely to have taken. Rough sea conditions and the vast search area are complicating the operation, but officials say all available resources are being utilised.

Families of the missing fishermen have gathered at the Odalarevu landing centre, anxiously awaiting news. Local authorities have assured them that every possible step is being taken to trace the boat and its crew.