: Two fishermen drowned when their boat capsized off the Shakthikulangara harbour here early Tuesday. Two others on the boat were rescued by other fishermen. The deceased were identified as Danny, 38, of Puthenura, and Christopher, 58, of Karithura.
Those rescued were identified as Babu, 55, of Puthenthura and a migrant labourer from Assam, Sinu Das, 29. They were admitted to the district hospital. The accident occurred at 7 a.m. when they were on their way to the harbour after receiving a load of catch from a bigger in-board engine fishing boat. At the time of the accident, the sea was very rough accompanied by heavy downpour and strong winds.
Members of the fishing community complained that though the office of the Assistant Director (Fisheries) at Neendakara Harbour was informed immediately, personnel attached to the office refused to initiate rescue operations on grounds of rough weather. The office has three rescue boats and a group of lifeguards on duty to engage in rescue operation in case of such emergencies.
This led to tension at the Shakthikulangara area. When it became certain that the departmental rescue boats would not be operated, the fishermen themselves engaged in rescue operations lasting almost two hours. All the four on board the boat were brought to the Shakthikulangara coast by 9.15 a.m. and rushed to the district hospital where Danny and Christopher were declared dead on arrival. There was tension at the district hospital where the autopsy was conducted.
Peter Mathias, general secretary of the Kollam District Boat Operators Association, has registered strong protest against the attitude of the Fisheries Department personnel attached to the Neendakara Harbour unit.
He said lakhs of rupees had been spent by the government to purchase the rescue boats and train personnel to meet situations in such emergencies.
