Indian Navy deploys divers, SONAR in Kerala search for three missing fishermen

The Indian Navy on Sunday joined search operations for three fishermen who have been missing since separate boat mishaps in Kerala's Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts, officials said.

The naval vessel INS Kalpeni sailed from Kochi on Saturday night and anchored one nautical mile off Neendakara on Sunday morning. A specialised diving team was on board, with a Marine Enforcement boat maintaining presence nearby, according to a defence spokesperson.

The divers commenced underwater search around 10 a.m., using portable SONAR equipment to enhance surveillance and diving capabilities, the spokesperson added.

Coastal Police officials said the Navy will first focus on locating Gautam Krishna, who went missing after a fishing boat capsized off the Neendakara coast. Subsequently, the team will assist in searching for the other two missing fishermen in Muthalappozhi and Vizhinjam.

The search operation, involving the Coastal Police, Marine Enforcement Wing of the Fisheries Department, and the Coast Guard, entered its 10th day on Sunday. The three fishermen—Gautam Krishna, John, and Shijin—went missing in separate incidents on July 31.

Family members of the missing persons had earlier protested, alleging lapses in the search efforts, which prompted the state government to seek the Navy's assistance. Opposition parties also criticised the state government, citing a slow response from authorities.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi, who has been closely following the case, said on Sunday that he would continue efforts to trace Gautam Krishna. In a Facebook post, Gopi recounted an emotional appeal from Krishna's mother, who asked him to stand with her as a brother. He said he had given his word to the mother that he would do everything possible to bring her son back.

Gopi said he had been in constant contact with senior officials and would not allow the search to slow down. All available resources have been mobilised to intensify the sea search, he added.

A vessel carrying Navy divers has resumed emergency search operations at sea, and Coast Guard helicopters are conducting aerial surveillance. Indian Oil is extending support by ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply and other facilities, Gopi said. An emergency helipad is also being readied at Amritapuri in coordination with college authorities to speed up rescue operations.

Expressing confidence that Gautam will return, Gopi said he would stand by the mother and continue the fight until the missing fisherman is found.

The coordinated search involving multiple agencies continues, with the Navy's specialised equipment expected to bolster efforts in the challenging sea conditions off the Kerala coast.