Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 17: Naval commander in-charge of Karnataka, Tushar Soki, asked the fishermen to be alert about strange or unusual events they might come across at sea, and convey information to the concerned. He said that sea happens to be the easiest route for terrorist activities and to pose threat to the country’s security. He exhorted them to watch out for strangers or unnatural movement or behaviour in the sea.

“Keeping a close watch or engaging in such other activities at seashore by people, video shooting, photography, preparing of sketches, asking probing questions etc need to be informed to security agencies. Abduction, theft, communication between different ships through torches, unnatural diving etc., should be watched for and informed. If people are being shifted from the shore to a ship anchored at sea, strange activities at night, unloading of goods from the ship, movement of ship in the area not suitable for its travel, conducting of fishing in areas not suited for fishing activity, crossing of safety warning signals or destruction thereof, also need to be informed to the concerned,” he explained. He said that buying of recreational ships or fishing boats by paying unduly high prices or rent, also need to be reported.

The concerned can contact Coast Guard (toll free No. 1554), Coastal Security Force (toll free. 1093), Coastal Security Force Udupi (0820-2533700), or Coast Guard Mangalore (08240 2405266) to alert them about strange happenings like the above at sea, he said.

Suresh Kumar Malik of Coastal Security Force, mangalore, asked the fishermen to always keep with them original documents instead of copies, during fishing activities. He said that based on the need, smart cards will be distributed to fishermen. He said that small equipment named Distress Alert Transmitter will be fitted in the cabins of each boats, with four switches. Pressing one of the switches will provide all the details of the boat, the second switch conveys information about physical problems and medical need, third button is to be pressed if the boat develops complications, and the fourth one if strangers are cited, he added.

Fishermen present said that many a time navy officials assault innocent fishermen at sea and forcibly take away fish catches. Tushar told them to write a letter to the higher officers, who in turn, will ensure that those offenders are dismissed from service. The fishermen also sought officials who can converse in local language.

In his address, Suresh Kumar, deputy director of fisheries, Mangalore, noted that there has been an increase in the incidents of collision between boats and ships. He reasoned that this is happens because of the fact that more and more ships prefer now-a-days to move closer to the shore because of the threat posed by Somali pirates. He said that the movement of the ships in question can be stopped if the information is immediately conveyed to the concerned.

Malpe Fishermen’s Association president, Hiriyanna T Kediyoor, Dakshina Kannada Fisheries Federation president, Yashpal Suvarna, and deputy director of fisheries, Suresh Kumar, were present.