VD Satheesan, Chennithala visit missing fishermen’s families as search enters day 11
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan and State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala visited the families of fishermen who went missing at sea, as the search operation entered its 11th day amid growing concerns over its effectiveness.
Satheesan visited the residence of 26-year-old fisherman Gautham Krishna in Kollam, accompanied by Minister Shibu Baby John. Gautham went missing following a fishing boat incident off Neendakara. Satheesan met his mother Reshma and assured the family that the government would provide all possible assistance.
“I do not know what to say to console Reshma and her family,” Satheesan said, describing the incident as a tragedy that no family should have to face.
CM defends search operation
The chief minister said all available resources were being coordinated for the search and rejected allegations that the operation had not been effective.
“From the first day itself, all possible methods of search have been used,” he said, adding that operations were temporarily suspended only when worsening weather created a risk to rescuers.
Satheesan also announced that the government would introduce measures to prevent similar accidents in the future. The government will implement a plan involving fishermen in the process, along with a standard operating procedure for responding to such incidents. Temporary measures to improve fishermen’s safety would also be implemented immediately, he said.
He acknowledged the criticism from the affected families, saying their emotional distress was understandable after losing a family member. Satheesan said the government and ministers were open to criticism but maintained that every possible step had been taken so far and would continue.
The chief minister also said the government was prepared to improve weather forecasting and strengthen precautions while issuing warnings to fishermen.
Chennithala, Gafoor visit families
Meanwhile, Chennithala and Fisheries Minister V E Abdul Gafoor visited the families of missing fishermen John of Pulluvila and Shijin of Anchuthengu. Both fishermen have been missing for 11 days.
During their visit, Jiji, the daughter of missing fisherman John, strongly criticised the government over the search operation. She alleged that the chief minister had made remarks that amounted to insulting the fishing community and demanded an apology.
Jiji reminded the ministers that they had reached their positions with the votes of the fishing community and said those holding high offices should not speak in a manner that blamed or suppressed a particular section of society.
Chennithala and Gafoor also visited Shijin’s family in Anchuthengu and offered their support. They later inspected Muthalapozhi, where repeated fishing accidents have raised concerns over the safety of the harbour area.
The ministers said scientific solutions would be explored to address the recurring accidents at Muthalapozhi. They also said an order had been issued for dredging at the site.
Navy intensifies search
The search for Gautham Krishna the other missing fishermen is continuing, with Indian Navy deploying specialised divers and portable SONAR equipment. Union Minister Suresh Gopi has also assured Gautham Krishna’s family of continued support, while Coast Guard helicopters and other agencies are assisting the multi-agency operation.