Navy joins Kerala search for 3 missing fishermen as op enters 10th day
The search operation for three fishermen who have been missing since separate boat mishaps off the coasts of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala will continue on Monday, according to a defence spokesperson. The operation entered its tenth day on Sunday, with the Indian Navy joining the efforts.
The missing fishermen have been identified as Gautam Krishna, John, and Shijin. They went missing after their fishing boats met with accidents at Neendakara in Kollam, and Vizhinjam and Muthalappozhi in Thiruvananthapuram, respectively, on July 31.
On Sunday, Indian Navy divers joined personnel from the Coast Police, Coast Guard, and the Marine Enforcement Wing of the fisheries department in the search. The Navy's ship, INS Kalpeni, sailed from Kochi on Saturday night and anchored one nautical mile off Neendakara on Sunday morning to assist in the operation.
The divers are equipped with portable SONAR, which enhances their capability for underwater surveillance and diving operations, the spokesperson said. This technology allows the search teams to detect objects on the seabed more effectively, improving the chances of locating the missing fishermen.
Initially, the Navy focused its search on Gautam Krishna, whose fishing boat capsized off the Neendakara coast. Later in the evening, INS Kalpeni moved to Muthalappozhi harbour to continue the search in that area.
The search operation is a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, reflecting the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the incident. The families of the missing fishermen and the local fishing community are anxiously awaiting any news, as the search enters its second week.
The use of advanced technology like portable SONAR highlights the thoroughness of the operation. The Navy's participation adds significant expertise and resources to the search, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
INS Kalpeni is a naval survey vessel, and its advanced sonar capabilities make it particularly suited for such search and rescue missions. The ship's deployment underscores the Navy's commitment to assisting civilian authorities in times of need.
The defence spokesperson said the search will resume on Monday, with all agencies continuing their efforts to trace the three missing men. The areas being searched are known for their challenging sea conditions, and the operation has been conducted with careful planning and coordination.
This incident has drawn attention to the risks faced by fishermen in the region, who venture into the sea in often adverse conditions. The authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to find the missing fishermen and bring them back to their families.
The search operation, which began on July 31, has involved multiple agencies from the central and state governments. The Navy's entry into the operation marks a significant escalation in the scale and capability of the search efforts.
