Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian Navy joined ongoing search and rescue efforts on Sunday for three fishermen who disappeared following separate boat accidents off the coasts of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts.

To assist with the operations, INS Kalpeni set sail from Kochi on Saturday night and anchored one nautical mile off Neendakara by Sunday morning, according to a statement from a defence spokesperson.

"A specialised Indian Navy diving team is onboard the ship. Marine Enforcement Wing was contacted for localising the diving position further. A Marine Enforcement boat is maintaining its presence in the vicinity of the ship," the statement said. 

Search strategy and equipment

Navy divers commenced underwater operations off INS Kalpeni around 10:00 AM on Sunday.

"The divers are also utilising portable SONAR. The SONAR increases the capability of the divers for underwater surveillance and diving operations," the Defence Spokesperson added.

According to Coastal Police officials, Navy personnel are prioritising the search for Gautam Krishna, who went missing when his fishing boat capsized near Neendakara. Following this, the team's services will be deployed to locate two other missing fishermen, John and Shijin, who disappeared off the coasts of Vizhinjam and Muthalappozhi, respectively. All three men went missing in separate incidents on July 31, bringing the multi-agency search—which involves the Coastal Police, Fisheries Department's Marine Enforcement Wing, and the Coast Guard—into its 10th day on Sunday.

The state government requested Indian Navy intervention following protests by the missing fishermen's families over perceived delays, as well as criticism from opposition political parties over the authorities' response time.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi assures continued support

Meanwhile, Union Minister Suresh Gopi pledged on Sunday to maintain search efforts to locate Gautam Krishna.

In a Facebook post, Suresh Gopi shared an emotional plea from Gautam’s mother, who asked him to stand by her as a brother during this crisis. Recalling her appeal, Suresh Gopi wrote:

"A representative of the people, more than that as a brother, this is the promise I gave that mother. This brother considers you his own sister and will be with you. I will go to any extent to bring that son back."

Suresh Gopi noted that the fishing vessel capsised after being struck by strong waves, leaving the family in shock. He stated that he remains in continuous communication with senior officials and will ensure the search operation does not lose momentum.

"All resources have now been mobilised to intensify the search in the sea," he said.

Also read: Kerala coast records 469 fishermen deaths in 11 years; 160 missing, 47,773 rescued  

Operational support and resources

The Union Minister highlighted key operational updates:

  • Naval & Aerial Operations: A naval vessel with specialized divers resumed emergency search operations at sea, while Coast Guard helicopters intensified aerial surveillance.

  • Logistical Backing: Indian Oil is offering full support by ensuring an uninterrupted supply of fuel and facilities for the operations.

  • Infrastructure Support: An emergency helipad is being set up urgently at Amritapuri in collaboration with local college authorities to streamline rescue activities.

Expressing faith that Gautam Krishna will be found through administrative strength and collective prayers, Suresh Gopi added:

"I will stand by that mother until my last breath to wipe away her tears. I will not give up hope... We will fight," he said. (PTI)