Six fishermen are missing after a fishing boat carrying seven crew members capsized off the Visakhapatnam coast amid rough weather and strong winds. One fisherman was rescued by a passing cruise ship, according to Vizag Fishing Boats Association president Lakshman Rao.
Rescue and Search Operations Underway
Search operations are being conducted by the Indian Coast Guard and Marine Police after family members reported losing contact with the crew. The seven fishermen had set out for fishing on July 1 and informed their families they would return by 2 pm on July 4. However, when their mobile phones were found switched off, the families alerted authorities.
Rao told PTI that the fishermen were returning after completing their fishing activity when contact with their boat was lost. The boat is suspected to have capsized due to rough weather and strong winds. One fisherman has been rescued by a cruise ship, while search operations continue for the remaining six.
Impact of Monsoon Weather
According to Rao, approximately 400 fishing boats had ventured into the sea, with several affected by strong winds and adverse weather conditions as the monsoon approaches. The missing fishermen are part of the local fishing community that relies on the sea for their livelihood.
Government Response
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu spoke to senior officials about the disappearance and reviewed ongoing rescue efforts. Officials briefed the chief minister on measures taken to trace the missing fishermen. Naidu directed them to intensify the search operation by deploying more Coast Guard vessels. The rescue operation has been expanded with the deployment of Navy helicopters.
Naidu also instructed Marine and Visakhapatnam Police officials to coordinate search efforts at sea and asked officials to keep him regularly updated on the progress of the operation.
