Thiruvananthapuram: The body of a 42-year-old fisherman, who went missing while fishing off the Kochuveli coast on Friday, was recovered from the South Thumba coast around 3.30 pm on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Shibhu Seril, a native of Vizhinjam.
Incident Details
According to sources, Shibhu ventured into the sea for fishing on Friday morning. However, his boat was reportedly swept away by strong ocean currents while he was laying fishing nets. He subsequently went missing, prompting rescue efforts involving locals and coastal police.
Search Operations
Search operations were launched soon but were later called off by evening due to heavy sea currents and adverse weather conditions. The search resumed on Saturday with the participation of rescue teams and multiple fishing boats. However, authorities again suspended the operation around noon owing to rough sea conditions.
Recovery of Body
Later in the afternoon, Shibhu's body was found near the South Thumba coast. The body was shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, for postmortem examination.
Rescue of Stranded Boat
During Saturday's search operation, the fishing boat Fatima Mata, owned by Antony, a native of Poonthura, developed engine failure and remained stranded at sea. Following instructions from the Assistant Director of Fisheries (ADF), Vizhinjam, another boat, Darshanam, reached the spot, secured the vessel, and safely towed it to Vizhinjam harbour.
Investigation
Vizhinjam coastal police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident.
