Govt assures aid to missing fishermen’s families

Fisheries Commissioner Ram Shankar Naik on Tuesday assured full government support to the families of fishermen who went missing in the recent sea mishap, saying financial assistance and rehabilitation measures would be extended in accordance with government norms after the stipulated 72-hour search period ends.

The Commissioner met survivor Chinna and interacted with him to understand the sequence of events leading to the tragedy. He later visited the office of the Mechanised Boat Owners’ Association at the Fishing Harbour, where he consoled the families of the missing fishermen.

Mr. Naik said the search operation would continue until all the missing fishermen were traced. Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister, he said he had arrived in Visakhapatnam to monitor the rescue operations and review the situation.

The Commissioner also held meetings with the District Collector, senior police officials, Coast Guard personnel, Fisheries Department officials, boat owners and representatives of fishermen’s associations to review the ongoing rescue efforts.

Emphasising that the government’s response would go beyond immediate relief, Mr. Naik said special attention would be given to the long-term rehabilitation and livelihood of the affected families. He said the Fisheries Department was exploring the possibility of helping for the fishing boat lost in the accident under existing government schemes.

He said discussions would be held with representatives of the fishermen’s cooperative society, following which a report recommending measures for sustainable livelihood support would be submitted to the government.

Mr. Naik also appealed to fishermen to strictly adhere to safety protocols while venturing into the sea. He urged them not to venture out without monitoring weather conditions and stressed that safety should always remain the top priority.