4 Tamil Nadu fishermen die in Cyclone Murasu, search for 5 continues

Amid the fury of Cyclone Murasu, 4 fishermen have died after a boat carrying Tamil Nadu fishermen capsized off the Andhra Pradesh coast. According to a Press Trust of India (PTI) report, a total of 9 fishermen were on board; 4 bodies have been recovered, while rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing to search for the remaining 5 fishermen. Prakasam District Collector P. Raja Babu provided this information.

According to the details received, these fishermen had left Chennai on 29 October. Following the cyclone warning, they were instructed to move to safe locations. In compliance with these instructions, 4 boats were anchored off the Andhra Pradesh coast, with 3 boats kept at Ramayapatnam port and 1 boat at Nizampatnam port. According to the Collector, on 2 November, Tamil Nadu officials confirmed that all fishermen and their boats were safe. However, on 3 November, the 9 fishermen aboard the boat at Nizampatnam set sail towards Ramayapatnam without informing the Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu officials.

While heading towards Ramayapatnam, the boat was caught in the strong winds and waves of Cyclone Murasu and eventually capsized. Following this incident, the Coast Guard was immediately informed and ordered to commence rescue operations. The Tamil Nadu government has identified these 9 fishermen and shared their names and photographs with the administration. Collector P. Raja Babu stated that out of the 4 bodies recovered, 3 had washed ashore at Kothapatnam, while the fourth was found during the search operation. All bodies have been moved to the mortuary of the local government general hospital.

Communication regarding this matter has been established with Tamil Nadu officials, and they are arriving in Andhra Pradesh. After completing legal formalities, the bodies will be handed over to the Tamil Nadu officials. Additionally, preparations are underway to bring the capsized boat to the shore. The severe cyclonic storm 'Murasu' made landfall early Tuesday morning on the south coast of Andhra Pradesh, between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, causing widespread damage. Currently, the administration's entire focus is on searching for the remaining 5 fishermen.

A cyclone is a natural disaster generated in the atmosphere, where high-speed winds blow and heavy rain occurs due to a low-pressure area. Such storms in coastal areas severely impact fishing and maritime activities, forcing thousands of fishermen and locals to migrate to safe places every year.