Navy Joins Search for 3 Missing Fishermen

The Indian Navy has joined the search for three fishermen who went missing after separate boat mishaps in Kerala, with search operations being conducted by multiple agencies including the Coast Guard, Coastal Police, and Marine Enforcement personnel.

The missing fishermen, identified as Gautam Krishna, John Mathias, and Shijin, went missing on July 31 in separate incidents at Neendakara, Vizhinjam, and Muthalappozhi. The Indian Navy's INS Kalpeni sailed out from Kochi on Saturday night for the search operation, with a specialised diving team onboard.

The search operation for Gautam Krishna, who went missing after a fishing boat capsized off the Neendakara coast, has been ongoing with a Navy ship, a team of divers, and a helicopter involved in the search. The Kerala government has announced plans to implement a comprehensive sea rescue mechanism to ensure the safety of fishermen venturing into the sea.

The government will also develop a model weather forecasting framework for the entire country, with necessary funds already allocated in the Budget. The search operations have been ongoing for 10 days, with multiple agencies involved, including the Coast Guard, Coastal Police, and Marine Enforcement personnel.

## What's Next The Kerala government has invested around ₹6,000 crore in the Vizhinjam project, but cannot afford to fund more such projects. The search operation is expected to continue, with the Indian Navy and other agencies working together to locate the missing fishermen.

## Context The incident has highlighted the need for a comprehensive sea rescue mechanism and improved weather forecasting systems to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Kerala government's plans to develop a model weather forecasting framework and implement a sea rescue mechanism are seen as steps in the right direction.