The continuing search and rescue operation for the two missing fishermen in Muthalapozhi and Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram is yet to yield results, even as the search entered its 10th day on Sunday. Besides a Navy scuba team that joined the operation on Sunday evening, the Coast Guard, Coastal Police and Marine Enforcement personnel have been conducting searches around the breakwaters and rocky formations at Muthalapozhi, where 32-year-old Shijin went missing while fishing.

The search operation for Shijin began early on Sunday, with various agencies conducting operations at different locations. A six-member scuba team began searching around 7.30 a.m., concentrating initially on the rocky formations and breakwaters adjoining the estuary.

Rough sea

The divers have searched the areas that can be accessed safely but have been unable to enter some sections because of strong waves and currents. The sea remained particularly rough on Sunday, thereby making it difficult to enter the section where waves are breaking against the rocks.

Nonetheless, the scuba team could cover nearly all the areas that could be searched safely. Official sources have indicated that divers could enter the section only if the waves subside sufficiently to make the operation safe. Meanwhile, the search for John Mathias, a 54-year-old native of Puluvila who went missing from Vizhinjam, is continuing in the southern sector.

The search operations are being supported by aerial surveillance. The Coast Guard’s Dornier aircraft and helicopter have been conducting surveillance of the coastal stretch. Besides, a Coast Guard ship has been carrying out a 72-hour search operation towards Kanniyakumari since Saturday, while another vessel is expected to join the operation.

Four boats, including Fisheries department boats, have been deployed for the search. A marine ambulance carrying Marine Enforcement officials, Coastal Police personnel and lifeguards also left Vizhinjam for Muthalapozhi at 8.30 a.m. on Sunday.

The Fisheries department’s Dheera boat has been deployed for the search towards the south, while the Vizhinjam-Kanniyakumari stretch and adjoining offshore waters are also being examined. Mathias’s family has alleged that they are being subjected to cyberattacks on social media after raising questions over alleged lapses by the government in the rescue operation.

Published - August 09, 2026 08:03 pm IST