Fisherman feared dead in Kerala waters

As the compensation of Rs 5,000 given by the state was not enough to meet their expenses during the 45-day fishing ban period in May on the eastern coast, many fishermen go to work in other states, particularly in the western coast, where the ban period commences only in June. 

Late on Saturday, a group of Rameswaram fishermen was fishing off the Cochin coast when one of them identified as George Kapilsan of Thangachimadam had slipped and fell into the sea. His colleagues informed the Kerala State Fisheries officials about it and started searching for him. On Sunday too, the operation continued, but Kapilsan could not be found. As his body was not traced yet, his death was not confirmed.

Meanwhile, fishermen leaders demanded the government to increase the compensation being provided to them so that they would not go to other states for work.