Panel completes enquiry, presumes six missing Vizag fishermen dead

Visakhapatnam: The three-member fact-finding committee appointed by the Andhra Pradesh govt has completed its inquiry into the case of the six fishermen, who went missing off the Visakhapatnam coast on July 4.

They presume the fishermen to be dead and have recommended that the govt sanction ex gratia compensation to the families.The committee, comprising the revenue divisional officer, the assistant commissioner of police, and the assistant director of fisheries, was constituted to ascertain the status of the missing fishermen and verify insurance claims before recommending compensation. After examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, statements recorded during the enquiry and reports submitted by the Indian Coast Guard and fisheries department, the panel concluded that there was sufficient basis to presume the six fishermen had died in the mishap and recommended immediate processing of the admissible ex gratia claims.The mechanised fishing boat IND-AP-VS-MM-83 set sail from the Fishing Harbour on July 1 with seven fishermen and was scheduled to return by July 4 evening. The fishermen remained at sea for three days and informed their families and fellow fishermen on Saturday (July 4) afternoon that they were near the Gangavaram coast and expected to reach the harbour shortly. They were also warned about a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and advised to return immediately.

However, according to the report submitted bythe commitee, the boat encountered rough weather and strong winds while approaching the coast, causing it to capsize and sink. According to the FIR registered by the One Town police station, all seven fishermen were thrown into the sea and eventually were separated while attempting to swim towards nearby vessels.Crew member Kari Chinna, who owned the boat, was rescued on July 5 by the merchant vessel ’Universal Wealthy’ while drifting in the sea and was later brought ashore by the Indian Navy before being admitted to hospital. The remaining six fishermen could not be traced despite an extensive multi-agency search operation.The Coast Guard, Indian Navy and marine police jointly carried out intensive search operations for several days using ships, aircraft and other resources. However, after exhaustive searches yielded no results, the Coast Guard called off the rescue operation on Tuesday.The six missing fishermen have been identified as Raguthu Bandiyya and Meda Chinna Ammoru from Visakhapatnam district, and Kari Chinnayya, Kari Seethodu, Amara Appalaraju and Kari Garagayya from Vizianagaram district.Meanwhile, state excise and mines minister Kollu Ravindra distributed Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the six missing fishermen as immediate financial assistance on Wednesday. The assistance comprised Rs 5 lakh from the fisheries department and Rs 5 lakh from the chief minister’s relief fund. The minister said the decision was taken on the directions of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu based on the Coast Guard’s report and the account of survivor Kari Chinna.

He assured the families of continued govt support and said efforts to trace the missing fishermen would continue.On the other hand, East Coast Mechanised Fishing Boat Owners Association of India president Vasupalli Janakiram alleged that the state govt failed in handling the boat accident. The association has urged the Centre to intervene immediately and order an independent high-level inquiry into the incident.

He said that a separate complaint had also been submitted to the National Human Rights Commission.“Although the district collector, marine police and fisheries department officials were informed about the accident at around 10.30 pm on July 4, search and rescue operations were not launched until the following morning (July 5). The delay resulted in the loss of precious lives,” said Janakiram.Infographics:July 1: Mechanised fishing boat IND-AP-VS-MM-83 sailed from Visakhapatnam fishing harbour with seven fishermen.July 4 (2.30 pm): While returning to the harbour, the boat capsised in rough seas and strong winds near the Visakhapatnam coast.July 5 (5 am): Families were informed of the accident. The Coast Guard, Navy and Marine Police launched search and rescue operations.July 5: Boat owner Kari Chinna was rescued by the merchant vessel Universal Wealthy and brought ashore by the Indian Navy.July 5-7: Multi-agency search operations continued, but the remaining six fishermen could not be traced.July 7 (12 noon): The Indian Coast Guard called off the search and rescue operation after exhaustive efforts failed to locate the six missing fishermen.