Search intensified for seven missing fishermen

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to intensify the search and rescue operation for seven fishermen who went missing after venturing into the Bay of Bengal from Visakhapatnam earlier this week. The Chief Minister, who is currently on a tour of Kuppam, reviewed the situation immediately after learning about the incident. Speaking to senior officials over the phone, he instructed them to ensure seamless coordination among all agencies involved in the rescue mission and to provide regular updates on the operation.

According to officials, the fishing boat INDAP-VS-MM-83, carrying seven fishermen, departed from the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour at around 4 p.m. on July 1 for a routine fishing expedition. The vessel was scheduled to return to the harbour by the afternoon of July 4, but failed to arrive, triggering concern among authorities and the fishermen’s families. Preliminary information suggests the boat may have developed a technical malfunction near the Gangavaram coast, leaving the crew stranded at sea.

A large-scale search operation is now underway, involving the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy and the Marine Police. Officials informed the Chief Minister that Coast Guard vessels have been deployed in the search area, while Naval helicopters joined the operation on Saturday morning to expand the aerial search. Naidu instructed the Marine Inspector General of Police and the Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner to closely coordinate rescue efforts and ensure that all available resources are utilised to locate the missing fishermen at the earliest.

The Chief Minister also directed Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu and local public representatives in Visakhapatnam to visit the affected families, offer reassurance and extend all necessary support during the ongoing rescue operation. The state government said it is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the missing fishermen, while search operations continue across the Bay of Bengal.