Cyclone Ockhi: 661 fishermen still missing, search operations underway

New Delhi, Decemebr 28: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told the Parliament that 661 fishermen are still missing and that included 400 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and 261 from Kerala after the effect of Cyclone Ockhi.

Around 821 fishermen were saved in the rescue operation carried out by Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Indian Air Force. The central team had sanctioned Rs 133 crore to the state government against the damages.

Other agencies, including merchant vessels and trawlers, rescued 24 people. Among the fishermen saved, 453 were from Tamil Nadu, 362 from Kerala and 30 from Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands.

Sitharaman said advisories were issued to merchant vessels through the International Safety Net for rendering assistance to stranded fishing boats or distressed fishermen while transiting through the cyclone area.

The minister said the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard were in continuous liaison with the state governments of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands for conduct of search and rescue operations.