Post Ockhi, ICG calls for VHF on fishing vessels

Many fishermen were already out in the sea before warnings were issued about the cyclone, with the lack of communication channels contributing to high fatality. 

S Paramesh, IG-Operations, said the decision was taken following a high-level meeting between the ministries of Home Affairs and Defence, and departments of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry after the cyclone, to discuss the lessons learnt and measures to be undertaken in the future to reduce fatalities. 

“It is important that all fishing vessels are equipped with VHF equipment to ensure that fishing vessels remain in contact. In case of a disaster warning, the message can be passed on from one fishing vessel to another that is miles away, which in turn can reach out to the next vessel,” he explained.