Indian Navy Intensifies Search for Missing Fishermen Off Kerala Coast
The Indian Navy has deployed INS Kalpeni and specialized diving teams to search for three fishermen missing since July 31. Operations involve portable SONAR technology across multiple coastal sites in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.
Key takeaways
- Three fishermen remain missing ten days after separate boat capsizing incidents off the Kerala coast.
- The Indian Navy has deployed the vessel INS Kalpeni and specialized diving units equipped with portable SONAR.
- Search operations are concentrated in the coastal waters of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts.
- A multi-agency response is underway involving the Coast Guard, Coastal Police, and Marine Enforcement Wing.
What Happened
The search for three missing fishermen off the coast of Kerala entered its tenth day on Sunday, with the Indian Navy escalating its involvement. The missing individuals, identified as Gautam Krishna, John, and Shijin, disappeared following separate maritime accidents on July 31. These incidents occurred at Neendakara in Kollam, and Vizhinjam and Muthalappozhi in the Thiruvananthapuram district.
INS Kalpeni departed from Kochi on Saturday night to support the mission, anchoring one nautical mile off Neendakara by Sunday morning. Navy divers have integrated with teams from the Coastal Police, the Coast Guard, and the Marine Enforcement Wing of the fisheries department to conduct coordinated sweeps of the area.
Background
The search efforts initially focused on Gautam Krishna after his fishing vessel capsized near the Neendakara coast. The operation has since expanded to include the sites where John and Shijin went missing. To assist in the underwater recovery efforts, Navy personnel are utilizing portable SONAR equipment, which provides enhanced surveillance capabilities for divers working in difficult maritime conditions.
What Happens Next
Following operations at Neendakara, INS Kalpeni relocated to Muthalappozhi harbour on Sunday evening. A defense spokesperson confirmed that the search for the three men is scheduled to continue through Monday as authorities attempt to locate the missing fishermen across the two affected districts.
Key Facts
- The three fishermen have been missing since July 31 following separate boat mishaps.
- Search locations include Neendakara in Kollam, and Vizhinjam and Muthalappozhi in Thiruvananthapuram.
- INS Kalpeni is actively participating in the search after sailing from Kochi.
- Divers are employing portable SONAR to increase underwater visibility and detection range.
- Multiple agencies are involved, including the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Police, and Marine Enforcement Wing.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
Related stories
Church Property Dispute Leads to Confrontation Between Orthodox and Jacobite Factions
Zuckerberg Yacht Fleet Uninvolved in Alaska Maritime Rescue of Stranded Skiff
