the goan I network
VASCO
Inclement weather forced around 350 fishermen on 40 trawlers from west coast of India to seek refuge off the Kharewado jetty on Tuesday morning.
According to sources, 20 trawlers are from South India (Kanyakumari) and 20 trawlers had arrived from Gujarat.
When contacted, Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association (GFBOA) President Jose Philip D’Souza said the association immediately offered help and support to the stranded fishermen.
“When they arrived, we immediately decided to extend help and support. We decided to provide food and water, if required, to the stranded fishermen and we also informed Coast Guard and alerted the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT). As of now, we have not received any requests for help. Helping stranded Fishermen is the duty of all fishing bodies,” said D’Souza.
When contacted, MPT Dy Conservator Capt. Manoj Joshi said trawlers had arrived in Kharewado Bay on Saturday
“The 40 trawlers were reported seeking shelter in Kharewado on Saturday. There are around 350 crew on board and they are still present. No one has approached MPT for any help and we are keeping a watch and we are in touch. We are kept all arrangements on standby and we are also checking if any assistance is to be provided. The MPT has always been the first to ensure that relief is offered. They are here due to bad weather and they may leave once weather is fine,” said Capt. Joshi.
When contacted, All India Malayali Association AIMA Secretary P C Prasad said upon receiving the information, the AIMA deputed a person to go and check the status of the stranded fishermen on board the trawlers.
“We also made arrangements of a translator so that the fishermen could communicate the issues plaguing them. We had also got a call from the collector’s office.”
“However, when we went on the trawlers, we noticed that they had sufficient provision for food and water and hence, we have taken the contact details of the trawlers owners and have kept them informed.”
“We have also apprised their fisheries department of the situation, so that they may contact us in case the fishermen need some assistance,” said Prasad.
