Amaravati, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A massive search operation involving the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Andhra Pradesh government agencies was underway in the Bay of Bengal on Thursday to trace seven fishermen from Andhra Pradesh who have been missing since their fishing boat met with an accident earlier this month.
Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu said the search operation involves two Dornier aircraft, a helicopter and seven boats deployed by the Navy and Coast Guard.
Navy vessels have been conducting an extensive search from Visakhapatnam towards Paradip, while another vessel has been deployed towards the port area. Dornier aircraft operating from Visakhapatnam, Kolkata and Chennai are carrying out search sorties, with a Navy helicopter from Kolkata also pressed into service.
“We are using all available resources to search for the missing fishermen with constant coordination between the Navy, Coast Guard, and the Fisheries Department,” Atchannaidu said, adding that the operation would continue until the fishermen are safely traced.
The fishermen, belonging to Odalarevu, Dummalapeta and Vasalathippa villages in Allavaram mandal of Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, had ventured into the Bay of Bengal on August 3 and were scheduled to return on August 12.
According to officials, the fishing boat met with an accident around 12 nautical miles off the coast. Eight fishermen were on board, with one, identified as Appanna, initially reported missing following the accident. The latest government communication said seven fishermen remain untraced.
Home and Disaster Management Minister V. Anitha had earlier directed officials to intensify the search and utilise all available resources to locate the missing fishermen. She also stressed the need for greater vigilance to ensure the safety of fishermen venturing into the sea.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the rescue operation on Wednesday through a virtual interaction with Atchannaidu and officials. He directed authorities to intensify efforts and keep the families of the missing fishermen regularly informed about developments.
The Coast Guard and Marine Police are involved in the search, while the district administration is monitoring the operation. Fishing boats from Kakinada, Bhairavapalem, Visakhapatnam and Paradip have also been alerted to assist in locating the missing boat.
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