Fishermen trapped in Iran
Thiruvananthapuram: Several fishermen from Kerala, who left went to work in Iran have reportedly been trapped there following COVID-19 warning.
The fishermen are from Vizhinjam, Pozhiyoor and Marayanaduareas areas here in the district. It is learned that the fishermen are not even able to leave their rooms as COVID-19 warning was issued in Iran.
It was four months ago that over 200 fishermen left for Iran with a working visa for fishing crew. It was later that coronavirus started spreading around the world. As a result, they have not been allowed to leave their rooms.
There are 23 people living in a single room. Out of this, 17 are Keralites from Vizhinjam, Pozhiyoor and Marayanadu areas. As per reports, they are struggling to find proper food. Relatives have been trying to establish contact with them. The group of 200 fishermen also includes natives of Tamil Nadu.
Kerala Fisheries Minister J. Mercykkutty Amma told Mathrubhumi News that all actions will be taken by the government to safely return the fishermen to their homes. “The details of all those trapped in Iran will be handed over to NORKA. Through NORKA, the issue will be brought to the notice of the Indian Embassy in Iran,” said the minister.
Mercykkutty Amma added that the incident has been brought to the notice of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.