Kerala CM speaks with missing fisherman's kin as search continues
The Kerala government on Friday reached out to the families of fishermen who went missing at sea during recent extreme weather events, even as protests intensified over the delay in locating them. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan telephoned the daughter of John Mathias, a fisherman from Vizhinjam who has been missing since the rough weather struck, and assured her that search efforts would be stepped up to trace him.
The move came amid strong demonstrations by relatives of the missing men. On Friday, a group of family members staged an emotional protest in front of the Vizhinjam Coastal Police Station, demanding more effective action. Earlier in the day, Transport Minister C.P. John held discussions with the family of Shijin, who went missing from Muthalappozhi, in an attempt to address their concerns.
The Fisheries department issued a statement saying that search operations were continuing under the supervision of multiple agencies in the Muthalappozhi, Vizhinjam and Neendakara regions. The operation involves the Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Police, Marine Enforcement, the Fisheries department and district administrations. Assets deployed include Coast Guard ships, Dornier aircraft, helicopters, marine ambulances, patrol boats and fishing boats.
As of August 7, coordinated searches were being carried out across the sea, along the coastline, at fishing harbour entrances and through aerial surveillance. Authorities said all available technical resources and manpower were being utilised. Search areas were being expanded based on weather conditions and sea currents, and alerts had been issued to fishing harbours, coastal areas and neighbouring districts. Fisheries department officials were also stationed at Neendakara to assess the situation and coordinate rescue efforts.
The government’s press statement came after families and the Opposition accused the administration of conducting an ineffective search. The department also announced that emergency financial assistance of ₹25,000 each had been provided to the families of those who died in the incidents. According to the Fisheries department, over the past 10 years, 160 fishermen have gone missing at sea, while 469 have died and 47,773 have been rescued.
The protests reflect the deep anxiety among fishing communities, who depend on the sea for their livelihoods and often face perilous conditions during the monsoon season. The government has assured the public that every possible effort is being made to locate the missing fishermen and support their families during this difficult time.
