Count on us for rescue ops, fishermen urge state govt

Chennai

“Government officials display a lack-luster behaviour when it comes to rescuing lost fishermen. We are better informed about the seas and the wind and we must be involved in search and rescue operations,” K Bharathi, president, South Indian Fishermen Association, told DT Next.

Recently, four fishermen from Ramanathapuram Reshin Baskar, Malarvannan, Austin Sujinder and Seshu went missing at sea. Pudukkottai fishermen rescued Seshu, but the condition of three other fishermen were not known.

Fishermen alleged that the state Fisheries Department though informed had not taken any fruitful measures. Meanwhile, a plea was also filed before the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court to rescue the missing fishermen.

Earlier in the day, family and friends of the missing fishermen staged a protest in Ramanathapuram urging the state to take urgent measures to save them.

“Main role of the state in the search and rescue operations is to convey the information of missing fishermen to Coast Guard or Indian Navy and to remain idle,” said Palsamy, president, Ramnad Fishwokers Trade Union.

Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar replied that state is also involved in search operations. “Two Vallams (large mechanised boats) are involved in the search. We have also sought the help of fishermen from other areas,” said Jayakumar.