Coastal Andhra Pradesh witnessed a somber development on Thursday, November 5, as search teams recovered four bodies of Tamil Nadu fishermen who had gone missing after their boat overturned during Cyclone Murasu. The tragedy unfolded off the Andhra Pradesh coast, near Ongole, where the severe cyclonic storm made landfall earlier this week.
Prakasam District Collector P Raja Babu confirmed the recovery, stating that three of the deceased washed ashore at Kothapatnam, while rescuers retrieved a fourth body during ongoing operations. All four bodies are now being transported to the local Government General Hospital (GGH) mortuary for necessary formalities before being handed over to Tamil Nadu officials, who are currently en route to Andhra Pradesh.
The fishermen originally departed from Chennai on October 29. With Cyclone Murasu approaching, they received advisories to secure their vessels. Four boats were subsequently anchored along the Andhra Pradesh coastline, three at Ramayapatnam Port and one at Nizampatnam Port. Initially, Tamil Nadu officials had on November 2 confirmed the safety of all fishermen and their boats at these respective locations.
However, the situation took a critical turn on November 3. Nine fishermen aboard the boat at Nizampatnam decided to move towards Ramayapatnam to join their colleagues, doing so without informing either Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu authorities. Caught in the severe cyclonic storm amid strong winds, their boat capsized while en route. The Coast Guard was immediately alerted and launched rescue operations following the incident.
Collector Babu indicated that efforts continue to locate the remaining five missing fishermen. Authorities are also making arrangements to bring the capsized boat ashore. Cyclone Murasu, which caused extensive damage, crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast early on Tuesday, November 3, between Nellore and Narasapur, in close proximity to Ongole. The Tamil Nadu government has provided the names and photographs of all nine fishermen involved in the incident.
Image: siasat.com
📰 Source: Siasat Gulf