SL fisherman battling for life in mid-sea rescued

According to the marine police, the rescued fisherman, identified as Mariadoss, from Mannar region in Sri Lanka, along with Anton (20), had gone to fish in a fibre boat from Mannar, on Saturday. While they were fishing in the Palk Bay region, their boat sank because of high tide and rough seas.

As a result, both battled for life. As there was no help coming their way, the duo used plastic cans (used to carry diesel) and floated in the sea. As time passed, their resilience came down and Anton who could no longer cling on to the plastic cans, began to drown as Mariadoss watched helplessly.

A grief-struck Mariadoss managed to cling on the cans and kept floating in mid-sea. Fortunately for him, five fishermen from Rameswaram, who set sail in Antony Adimai’s boat, saw him afloat and immediately rescued him.

The fishermen gave him food and water and brought him to the coast safely. On Sunday morning, they handed Mariadoss to the Marine police at Rameswaram, who carried out investigations. Later, with the help of Fisheries Department, the officials at Mannar.

were informed

Meanwhile, information about the boat which sank reached the Sri Lankan officials.

Therefore, when the Indian fisheries department contacted the Lankan officials, they confirmed the identity of Mariadoss. Now, steps are being taken to send Mariadoss back to Sri Lanka.

Affected Kumari fishermen pin their hopes on Modi’s visit fishermen, who were largely affected by cyclone ‘Ockhi’ are pinning their hopes on Narendra Modi’s visit.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the district, on Tuesday.

The fishermen have been pushed into deep distress after the cyclone. Many of the families have lost their bread winners and several others have lost their livelihood.

“The damage caused by Ockhi is irreparable and we have reposed our faith and hope on the state and Central governments to give us a helping hand,” said the fishermen.

They expect the Prime Minister to make some favourite announcements for them. One of their long pending demand is a separate ministry for fishermen.

Justin Antony, Founding President, International Fishermen Federation (INFIDET), said that during the 2014 Parliamentary Election campaign, the BJP had promised a separate Ministry for fishermen in the Centre but even after three years after they took over they have not taken any initiative in this regard.

So the first and foremost demand of the fishermen is the announcement of a separate ministry and if Narendra Modi, announces a separate ministry, it would be a big relief for them.

He also said that according to the Evidence Act of 1872, a fishermen is considered dead only if he goes missing for seven years. “It should not be applied for cyclone ‘Ockhi’ as the fishermen who do not return by December 31 should be declared dead and compensation should be given to the kin of the deceased fishermen,” demanded Justin.