Six Fishermen Missing Off Visakhapatnam Coast After Boat Capsizes; Search Underway
Six fishermen are missing after a fishing boat carrying seven crew members capsized off the Visakhapatnam coast amid rough weather, a fishing association official said on Sunday. One fisherman was rescued by a passing cruise ship.
The Indian Coast Guard and Marine Police have launched search operations after family members reported losing contact with the crew. Vizag Fishing Boats Association President Lakshman Rao said that one fisherman was rescued, while efforts continue to locate the remaining six.
According to Rao, around 400 fishing boats had ventured into the sea, and several were affected by strong winds and adverse weather as the monsoon approached. The seven fishermen left on July 1 and informed their families they would return by 2 pm on July 4. After their mobile phones were found switched off, the families alerted authorities.
Rao said the fishermen were returning after completing their activity when contact was lost, and the boat is suspected to have capsized due to rough weather and strong winds.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu spoke to senior officials about the incident and reviewed rescue efforts. He directed officials to intensify the search by deploying more Coast Guard vessels. The rescue operation has been expanded with the deployment of Navy helicopters. Naidu also instructed Marine and Visakhapatnam Police officials to coordinate search efforts and keep him updated regularly.
