6 fishermen missing off Visakhapatnam coast, massive search underway

At least six fishermen are missing off the coast of Visakhapatnam after their fishing boat reportedly developed a mechanical fault in the Bay of Bengal, triggering a large-scale search operation involving the Indian Coast Guard, the Indian Navy and state authorities.

The fishermen had set sail from the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour on July 1 and were expected to return by July 4. According to the East Coast Mechanised Fishing Boat Owners Association, seven fishermen were on board the vessel when it reportedly encountered technical problems at sea.

The missing fishermen have been identified as Appalaraju, Bandiyya, Garagayya, Seetudu, Chinna Ammoru, Kari Chinna and Chinnayya. Six of them are residents of Mukkam village in Bhogapuram of Vizianagaram district, while one belongs to Bheemunipatnam (Bheemili) in Visakhapatnam district.

V. Janakiram, president of the East Coast Mechanised Fishing Boat Owners Association, said officials from the Fisheries Department, Marine Police, port authorities and the boat owners' association had contacted the crew on July 3 after a low-pressure area developed over the Bay of Bengal.

The crew was warned about deteriorating weather conditions and rough seas and was advised to return to the harbour immediately. However, contact with the fishing boat was subsequently lost, prompting concern among family members, who alerted the authorities.

RESCUE OPERATIONS LAUNCHED

Following the reports, rescue operations were launched involving the Indian Coast Guard, the Indian Navy, Marine Police and other agencies. Search teams have been deployed at sea, while Navy helicopters have also joined the operation to locate the missing fishermen.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation with senior officials after being briefed on the incident. He directed authorities to intensify the search operation by deploying Coast Guard vessels and ensuring close coordination among all agencies involved.

The Chief Minister also instructed the Inspector General of Police (Marine) and the Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner to jointly supervise and coordinate the rescue efforts. He asked officials to provide him with regular updates on the progress of the operation.

Authorities said the search is continuing amid challenging weather conditions, and every effort is being made to trace the missing fishermen and bring them back safely.

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