Bodies of fishermen from Tamil Nadu found near Kothapatnam coast
Search operations continue for five missing fishermen after their boat capsized during Cyclone Murasu near the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The bodies of fishermen from Tamil Nadu were recovered near the Kothapatnam coast in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, according to reports from The Hindu and South First. Three bodies washed ashore at Kothapatnam beach, while others were recovered during search operations.
The incident involved a motorised boat carrying nine fishermen that departed from Kasimedu Fishing Harbour in Chennai on October 29. While two boats were anchored near Ramayapatnam Port for safety due to Cyclone Murasu, the third boat proceeded towards Nizampatnam Port. On November 3, the nine fishermen on that boat attempted to travel to Ramayapatnam to meet the other teams, but the vessel capsized due to intense winds and a storm.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a solatium of Rs 7 lakh each for the families of the deceased fishermen, with Rs 2 lakh to be disbursed immediately. He also ordered that the bodies be transported to Tamil Nadu at the government's expense.
Prakasam District Collector P. Raja Babu stated that officials are in contact with Tamil Nadu authorities regarding the identification of the bodies and the recovery of the capsized boat. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Marine Police are continuing search and rescue operations to find the five remaining fishermen.
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson reached the RIMS Hospital mortuary in Ongole to assist with identification. Family members have identified four bodies, according to Mr.
Wilson.