Navy, Coast Guard Continue Hunt for Six Missing Fishermen

A large-scale search operation involving the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard entered its second consecutive day on Monday as authorities intensified efforts to trace six fishermen who went missing off the Visakhapatnam coast after their fishing boat reportedly met with an accident in rough seas.

The fishermen were among a group of seven who ventured into the sea from the Visakhapatnam coast on July 1 for a routine fishing expedition. Officials suspect that the vessel may have capsized amid adverse weather conditions and turbulent waters in the Bay of Bengal . While one fisherman was rescued by the crew of a passing ship, the remaining six are yet to be located despite extensive search efforts.

Reviewing the ongoing rescue mission, Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu held discussions with Navy and Coast Guard officials and directed them to accelerate operations by deploying every available resource. He stressed that all possible measures should be taken to locate the missing fishermen and ensure their safe return.

The search operation currently involves a naval warship, rescue boats and a helicopter , with teams scanning a vast stretch of sea based on information provided by the rescued fisherman. Authorities said the operation is being carried out round the clock despite challenging weather conditions.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by fishing communities during the monsoon season, when sudden weather changes, strong currents and high waves often pose serious risks to small fishing vessels. Coastal authorities have repeatedly advised fishermen to closely monitor weather bulletins before venturing into deep waters.

Twenty Andhra Fishermen Rescued Near Odisha Coast

In a separate maritime incident, 20 fishermen from Andhra Pradesh stranded near the Puri coast of Odisha are being brought safely ashore following a coordinated rescue effort by the Coast Guard and marine security agencies.

According to the Andhra Pradesh Coastal Security Police , the fishermen's boat developed a technical fault in its engine and drifted into deeper waters due to rough weather. As a precaution, all 20 fishermen were shifted to another vessel. However, the turbulent sea prevented that boat from returning to shore, leaving the group stranded offshore.

After receiving the alert, Coastal Security Police coordinated with the Indian Coast Guard and Odisha Marine Police to launch rescue operations. A Coast Guard vessel reached the location on Monday and established communication with the stranded fishermen.

Officials said that if weather conditions remain favourable, the fishermen are expected to reach the coast safely by Monday night. The twin incidents underscore both the vulnerability of coastal fishing communities during adverse weather and the crucial role played by maritime rescue agencies in safeguarding lives at sea.