Amalapuram, Aug 18: Eight fishermen from Andhra Pradesh have been missing in the Bay of Bengal since setting out on a fishing trip on August 3, prompting authorities to seek Coast Guard assistance and intensify efforts to locate their boat.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The fishermen, who left from Odalarevu in Konaseema district in a mechanised fishing vessel, were expected to return after about 10 days. However, they did not reach the harbour as scheduled, raising concern among their families.
After losing contact with the crew, the families approached marine police and fisheries officials. The district administration subsequently alerted Indian Coast Guard units in Kakinada and Visakhapatnam to assist in the search.
Officials said the boat had sufficient food, water and other provisions to sustain the crew for several days. It was also carrying around 1,000 litres of diesel. The vessel was reportedly last known to be operating in the direction of the Visakhapatnam and Paradip areas.
The fishermen’s families are now waiting anxiously for any information about the crew. Authorities are working to establish the boat’s last known location and determine what may have happened after communication was lost.
The search operation remains focused on locating the vessel and ensuring the safety of all eight fishermen. For their families, the priority is simple — to hear from their loved ones and see them return home safely.