Search Intensifies for 3 Fishermen Missing After Boat Mishaps in Kerala

The search for three fishermen missing since July 31 has entered its ninth day, with operations resuming Saturday in the Vizhinjam, Muthalapozhi, and Neendakara areas of Kerala. The fishermen disappeared following separate boat mishaps in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts.

In one incident at Neendakara, Gautam Krishna went missing when his fishing boat capsized, resulting in the deaths of his father, Radhakrishnan, and grandfather, Rajeevan. Following a protest by Gautam's mother, Reshma, search efforts were intensified Friday with additional Coastal Police boats, Coast Guard helicopters, and drones deployed.

Simultaneously, the Vizhinjam Coastal Police continue searching for John of Pulluvila, who vanished in a separate boat incident off the Thiruvananthapuram coast on the same day. His family's protest prompted assurances from the state government for intensified search operations, including the addition of 10 fishermen to the search team.

Additionally, the search for Shijin, who disappeared after a boat capsized off Muthalapozhi on July 31, also resumed Saturday morning. His family had previously protested, alleging inadequate search operations. Transport Minister C.P. John visited the family and pledged to increase search efforts, incorporating local fishermen. The opposition has criticized the state government's response, while the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council has called for improved search and rescue mechanisms for fishermen.