The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Families of missing fishermen allege government negligence

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Sunday, Nov 05, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Families of missing fishermen allege government negligence

Staff Reporter

"A private boat was instrumental in rescuing six fishermen"

ANXIOUS WAIT: The family members of missing fishermen at the YMCA Kuppam in Kasimedu on Saturday. They went missing two weeks ago. — PHOTO: M. Vedhan

CHENNAI: The families of five fishermen from YMCA Kuppam in north Chennai's Kasimedu, who are yet to be traced, were anxious and angry on Saturday.

Alleging that the government was indifferent to their plight, the family members said that a private boat had been instrumental in bringing back the six fishermen who were rescued on Friday morning.

Rumours that the missing boat from north Chennai had taken refuge on the coast of Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh could not be confirmed.

Eight boats with relatives of the fishermen were ready to venture out to sea to find out, but had not been given permission to leave since a storm warning had been issued on Friday, said Chitra, a mother of three.

"Why were storm warnings not issued when these boats first set out," asks a woman. The harrowing tales of survivors who returned Friday further distress them.

"They had to use their clothes to strain seawater and make it potable. They said the other boat was far out at sea when last seen," said Selvi, wife of one of the fishermen.

"We are afraid to think of what condition our husbands are in now."

Rescue operation

While the Coast Guard is said to have launched an extensive rescue operation, the families cannot be placated. "Only a member of the Opposition party, former Law Minister, D. Jayakumar, has given us some money and provisions," said the women. Saturday marked two weeks since the missing boat set out from here.

Fishermen normally foray past Vishakapatnam and the journey takes about a week.

Earlier instances of fishermen being swept off course during the onset of the monsoon have always been followed up by rescue operations fairly quickly, alleged the wives and mother of the missing fishermen.

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