Andhra CM orders intensified search for 8 missing fishermen

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to intensify the search for eight fishermen missing since August 3 after their boat departed from Odalarevu in Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district. The Indian Coast Guard, state fisheries department and district administration are coordinating search operations. The families of the fishermen have been receiving regular updates, the CM said.

The fishermen, from Odalarevu, Dummalapeta and Vasalathippa villages, set out from the Odalarevu jetty at around 10 am on August 3. The Hindu reports that families last had phone contact with the crew at 11 am on August 7. Telangana Today states contact was lost on August 3 itself. The boat, equipped with a VHF radio and mobile phones, was expected back by August 12 but did not return. It carried 1,000 litres of diesel and food enough for 17 days, which the fisheries department says should last until August 20, The Hindu adds.

The Coast Guard commandant has alerted nearby patrol vessels. Fishing boats from Kakinada, Bhairavapalem, Visakhapatnam and Paradip have been asked to report any information. Naidu assured the families of full government support and urged them to remain courageous.