Andhra Pradesh Fishermen Found Safe After Going Missing in Bay of Bengal

Amaravati, August 26: Seven fishermen from Andhra Pradesh, who had been missing in the Bay of Bengal since earlier this month, have been located. Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjirapu Atchannaidu announced this news on Wednesday.

The fishermen had drifted to the West Bengal coast due to a technical failure of their boat. The minister confirmed that all fishermen are safe.

Authorities verified this information by communicating with Bhavani Prasad, the brother of the boat owner. Necessary steps are being taken to ensure the fishermen’s safe return home. The minister has also instructed officials to head to West Bengal.

These fishermen hail from the B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district. They set out for fishing from Odalarevu on August 3 and were expected to return by August 12. After that date, their families lost contact with them.

The minister noted that the government machinery worked in coordination to locate the fishermen. He praised the efforts of the district collector, fisheries commissioner, joint director, and other officials.

Families of the fishermen have expressed relief upon learning of their safety.

Earlier on Tuesday, the search operation in the Bay of Bengal was intensified. The Indian Coast Guard deployed 15 ships and four helicopters for the search efforts.

Minister Atchannaidu stated that a comprehensive search operation was being conducted in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, and other relevant departments, with support from the central government.

He mentioned that the Eastern and North-Eastern Commands in Kolkata were activated under the directives of the Deputy Director General (Operations) of the Indian Coast Guard Headquarters.

To expand the search area and expedite the operation, 15 Coast Guard vessels and four helicopters were deployed on Tuesday.

Additionally, electronic surveillance was being conducted under the oversight of the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre. Maritime authorities in Myanmar and Bangladesh were also alerted to gather any information regarding the missing boat.