VASCO
Inclement weather forced 58 fishermen on seven trawlers from South India to seek refuge off the Kharewado jetty on Tuesday morning.
MPT officials were quick to provide emergency relief services, food and water to the stranded fishermen.
According to MPT Dy Conservator Capt Manoj Joshi, the Coast Guard issued an advisory that for the next 72 hours, heavy rains along with squally winds was very likely over Comorin area and along and off South Tamil Nadu and south Kerala coasts.
“We received five trawlers in the morning and two more by afternoon. We are expecting a few more trawlers who are likely to take refuge and shelter in MPT waters,” said Capt Joshi.
“On Monday night, we had received a message that the stranded fishing boats were approaching the Mormugao harbour to take shelter.”
“Accordingly on the instructions of our MPT Chairman I Jeyakumar, we offered a helping hand by providing primary needs and emergency relief services. We are expecting more trawlers that are likely to come in and we are keeping a close watch ,” Capt Joshi added.
Meanwhile, the MPT issue a press note stating that the low pressure area in Comorine region has now intensified into well marked Low Pressure Area. It is presently seen over equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining Comorine area.
“An advisory have been issued by the Coast Guard to fishing vessels not to venture into the affected areas.” “As a result, few fishing trawlers were left stranded off the coast with no possibility to return back to their home for the next 72 hours,” MPT stated.
