Vizhinjam (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala): Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram will get Kerala’s first drone station to help locate fishermen who go missing at sea. The decision follows a successful trial run using drones in the Vizhinjam waters.

If the project proves successful, similar drone stations will be established in Kochi and Kozhikode districts.

The Fisheries Department decided to introduce the stations amid repeated incidents of traditional fishermen going missing at sea after being caught in sudden high waves while out fishing.

A trial run using drones was conducted at Vizhinjam on August 13 in the presence of Fisheries Minister V E Abdul Gafoor and then Fisheries Director Chelsasini .

Following the successful trial, the Fisheries Department asked officials of the Coastal Development Corporation to prepare a detailed report on setting up the drone station.

The drone station at Vizhinjam will be launched as a pilot project. The stations will be set up with the support of the Central and state governments.

Two types of drones will be used for search and rescue operations. They will be capable of operating both underwater and above the sea surface.

One type will be used for underwater searches. It can operate at depths of up to 500 metres and travel about 200 metres while conducting searches.

The drones will also have a mechanical arm capable of lifting objects or people weighing up to 130 kg.

The second type of drone will fly above the water surface to locate people who are in distress at sea.

After identifying a person, the drone can provide life-saving equipment such as a life buoy or life jacket to help them remain afloat.