Indian Navy Joins Search For 3 Missing Kerala Fishermen As Hunt Enters Day 10

The Indian Navy has joined the search for three fishermen missing since July 31 after separate boat mishaps in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts. The search entered its 10th day on Sunday.

Navy ship INS Kalpeni sailed from Kochi on Saturday night and anchored one nautical mile off Neendakara on Sunday morning. A specialised Navy diving team began the underwater search around 10 am using portable SONAR. Marine Enforcement officials helped identify the diving area, while a Marine Enforcement boat remained nearby.

The first focus is Gautam Krishna, 26, who went missing after a fishing boat capsized at Neendakara. His father Radhakrishnan, 48, and grandfather Rajeevan, 74, died in the accident. The Navy will later search for John, 54, missing off Vizhinjam, and Shijin, 32, missing after a boat capsized near Muthalapozhi.

The Coastal Police, Coast Guard, Marine Enforcement Wing and local fishermen have been searching all three areas. The search was extended to backwaters and up to the Tamil Nadu border. Coast Guard helicopters and drones were also used.

Families had protested, alleging delays. Shijin’s family sat on a rain-soaked road near Anchuthengu police station and demanded stronger action. The government agreed to deploy 10 fishermen to help. Scuba divers arrived late on Saturday after an earlier delay, while bad weather affected the search. Officials said authorities must also consider diver safety.

Minister C P John said aerial searches had already covered 82 hours and that officials would continue the effort without making excuses to grieving families. Opposition parties have criticised the government, while DYFI protested at the Kollam Collectorate. The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council has also sought stronger rescue systems.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi said he would continue efforts to find Gautam. He said strong waves caused the boat to capsize, Coast Guard helicopters had intensified surveillance, and Indian Oil was providing fuel and other support. An emergency helipad is also being prepared at Amritapuri.