Massive search operation intensified for seven missing fishermen

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The search for seven fishermen from Andhra Pradesh who went missing after venturing into the sea for fishing has been significantly intensified, with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard deploying seven vessels, along with Dornier aircraft and a naval helicopter, in a coordinated search-and-rescue operation. The fishermen, from the Vadalarevu Fish Landing Centre, had ventured into the sea on August 3. They failed to return as scheduled, prompting authorities to launch a search operation.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister K. Atchannaidu said every available resource was being mobilized to trace the missing fishermen and bring them back safely. Five Coast Guard vessels have been involved in the search since August 17, while the Navy has now deployed two additional vessels, taking the total number of ships involved to seven. One naval vessel is searching the waters between Visakhapatnam and Paradip, while another is conducting searches towards Odalarevu.

The operation has also been expanded into the air. Dornier aircraft from Visakhapatnam, Kolkata and Chennai are conducting sorties over possible search zones, while a Navy helicopter from Kolkata has also been deployed. Coast Guard facilities at Haldia and Paradip have joined the operation to widen the search area. Officials are examining possible maritime routes and coastal areas along which the fishing boat may have travelled. The Navy, Coast Guard and State Fisheries Department are maintaining continuous coordination and sharing information to refine the search.

Minister Atchannaidu said there had been no positive information on the fishermen’s whereabouts so far, but stressed that the search would not be called off. He said authorities were using every available resource and would continue the operation until the fishermen were traced. The minister also appealed to the families of the missing fishermen to remain hopeful, assuring them that the government understood their anxiety and was closely monitoring the operation.