Fisheries Commissioner Promises Full Support, Long-Term Rehabilitation for Missing Fishermen's Families

Fisheries Commissioner Ram Shankar Naik has stated that the government will extend full support to the families of fishermen who went missing in a recent sea mishap. Speaking on Tuesday, he said immediate financial assistance and rehabilitation measures would be initiated in accordance with government norms once the stipulated 72-hour search period ends.

Mr. Naik met survivor Chinna on Tuesday and discussed the sequence of events leading to the tragedy. He later visited the Mechanised Boat Owners’ Association office at the Fishing Harbour, where he consoled family members of the missing fishermen, assuring them that search operations would continue until all missing individuals are traced.

Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister, Mr. Naik arrived in Visakhapatnam to monitor rescue efforts and review the situation. He held meetings with the District Collector, senior police officials, Coast Guard personnel, Fisheries Department officials, boat owners, and representatives of fishermen’s associations to assess ongoing rescue operations.

The Commissioner emphasized that the government’s response would extend beyond immediate relief, with special attention to long-term rehabilitation and livelihood support for affected families. He said the Fisheries Department is examining the possibility of extending assistance for the fishing boat lost in the accident under existing government schemes.

Discussions will be held with representatives of the fishermen’s cooperative society, after which a report recommending measures for sustainable livelihood support will be submitted to the government. Mr. Naik also appealed to fishermen to strictly follow safety protocols, including monitoring weather conditions before venturing into the sea, stressing that safety should always be the top priority.