Amid intensifying protests over the delay in locating fishermen who went missing at sea from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam during the recent extreme weather events, the State government on Friday reached out to the families of the missing fishermen in an effort to address their grievances and defuse the protests.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan spoke to the daughter of John Mathias, who went missing from Vizhinjam, over the phone and assured her that the search would be intensified to locate him.

The Chief Minister’s intervention came amid strong protests and criticism. Families of the missing fishermen staged an emotive protest in front of the Vizhinjam Coastal Police Station on Friday. Earlier in the day, Transport Minister C.P. John also held discussions with the family of Shijin, who went missing from Muthalappozhi.

The Fisheries department issued a statement saying that the search for the missing fishermen was continuing under the aegis of various agencies in the Muthalappozhi, Vizhinjam, and Neendakara regions. The search operation involves the Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Police, Marine Enforcement, Fisheries department and district administrations. Coast Guard ships, Dornier aircraft, helicopters, marine ambulances, patrol boats and fishing boats have been deployed for the search.

Current status

As of August 7, coordinated search operations were continuing across the sea, along the coastline, at fishing harbour entrances and through aerial surveillance. Authorities said that all available technical resources and manpower were being utilised. Search areas were being expanded based on weather conditions and sea currents, while alerts had been issued to fishing harbours, coastal areas and neighbouring districts. Fisheries department officials were also camping at Neendakara to assess the situation and coordinate rescue efforts.

The State government issued a press statement explaining the steps taken after the families and the Opposition intensified their protests, including the protest in front of the Coastal Police Station, alleging that the search operation was ineffective. The department also announced that emergency financial assistance of ₹25,000 each had been provided to the families of those who died in the accidents. According to the Fisheries department, 160 fishermen have gone missing at sea over the last 10 years, while 469 have died and 47,773 have been rescued.

Published - August 07, 2026 08:56 pm IST