Seven Missing Andhra Fishermen Found Safe Off West Bengal Coast

Seven fishermen from Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema district, who went missing after venturing into the sea for fishing earlier this month, have been traced safe and healthy at Shankarpur fishing harbour in West Bengal, State Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu said on Wednesday.

The fishermen, from Odalarevu, Dummalapeta and Vasala Thippa villages in Allavaram mandal, had set out from the Odalarevu Fish Landing Centre at around 10 am on August 3. They remained in contact with their families until about 11 am that day, but could not be reached thereafter. When the fishing boat failed to return on its expected date of August 12, authorities launched a search operation.

After an extensive search, the boat was located near Shankarpur Fishing Harbour in West Bengal, Atchannaidu said. He confirmed that all seven fishermen were safe and in good health. They were also given an opportunity to speak with their families, providing much-needed relief to relatives who had been anxiously awaiting news of them.

The minister said the Andhra Pradesh government is making arrangements to bring the fishermen back home at the earliest. Following Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s directions, state officials coordinated with the Central government and maintained contact with the Navy and Coast Guard throughout the search operation.

Authorities had explored several possibilities behind the disappearance, including a technical problem with the boat, wind conditions, sea currents and the possibility of the vessel drifting far from its original route. Based on the assessment that the boat could have moved towards the West Bengal coast, Coast Guard units and local fishing communities there were alerted.

Atchannaidu said he also spoke to Bhavani Prasad, the boat owner’s brother, and personally confirmed that the fishermen were safe.

The Fisheries Department is now working to ensure their safe return to their native villages. The minister credited the coordinated efforts of the state and Central governments, Navy, Coast Guard, Fisheries Department and district administration for locating the missing fishermen.

Atchannaidu reiterated that the safety and welfare of fishermen remain a top priority for the Andhra Pradesh government, assuring that the administration would continue to support fishing communities and address their concerns.