Andhra CM orders intensified search for 8 missing fishermen

Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered intensified search efforts for eight fishermen who have gone missing since August 3. The missing men are from Odalarevu, Dummalapeta and Vasalathippa villages in BR Ambedkar Konaseema district. They set sail from the Odalarevu Fish Landing Centre jetty at 10 am on August 3. Their boat was expected to return by August 12, but failed to do so, prompting authorities to launch a search operation.

The search is being conducted jointly by the Indian Coast Guard, the State fisheries department and the BR Ambedkar Konaseema district administration. All available resources will be utilized to locate the missing boat and fishermen, according to the CM. The Coast Guard has alerted nearby patrol vessels and fishing boats from Kakinada, Bhairavapalem, Visakhapatnam and Paradip have been instructed to assist in the search.

The fishermen are equipped with a Very High Frequency radio set and mobile phones. Officials believe the boat may have reached the fishing area around 6 pm on the day of departure. Naidu assured the families of the missing fishermen that they will receive continuous updates on the search efforts and full government support throughout the operation.