Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Dec 5: As the use of the tug did not help in bringing the fishing boat, 'Shree Raksha', that went underwater in the deep sea 12 nautical miles away from the shore on Monday night, the rescue work has been suspended.
Out of six who perished in the boat tragedy, mortal remains of five have already been found. But the body of Ansar (31) from Casaba Bengre could not be found even though the coastal security policemen on three boats and the divers put in efforts on Friday too. Expecting that the body of Ansar would have been stuck inside the drowned boat, under the instruction of the district administration, the expert divers with the help of the tug, 'Dharti', shook the boat and searched for his body but did not succeed in the efforts.
Rescue operations (file photo)
Fishermen leader Mohan Bengre, said that the area where the boat sank, witnesses busy fishing activity. He said that messages have been sent to all the boats conducting fishing in the area.
The drowned 'Shree Raksha' boat weighs about 65 tonnes, and barges or tugs cannot lift it out of water. When the tug was used, it was realised that it was not possible to completely lift it out of water. Now, the government has to decide on the next strategy, as its department does not have such facilities. Fisheries deputy director Parshwanath, said that details of the incident have been sent to the deputy director of fisheries.
As Friday was a holiday for the fishermen, they did not venture out in search of Ansar. Due to the monthly Puja of Urwa Mariyamma temple, purse seine boat fishermen take off from fishing and take part in the puja and other religious programmes once a month, said Umesh, owner of a purse seine boat.
Fish market functioned normally on Thursday and Friday. Purse Seine Boat Fishermen's Association president Shashsikumar Bengre, said that the association will help the families of deceased fishermen and also extend financial assistance to the divers.