An intensive multi-agency search operation is underway off the coast of Neendakara to locate Gautam Krishna, the 26-year-old fisher who went missing at sea after an accident that has already claimed the lives of his father and grandfather. The incident occurred early last Friday when a fishing vessel carrying 14 people, including migrant workers, overturned after being struck by powerful waves. Gautam’s grandfather, Rajeevan, 74, died on the spot, while the body of his father, Radhakrishnan, 46, was recovered on Saturday.

Mounting frustration over the progress of the search culminated on Thursday with Gautam’s mother, Reshma, staging a sit-in protest outside the Coastal police station, refusing food and water until she received clarity on the operations. Following a personal visit to console Reshma, Forest Minister Shibu Baby John assured the family that State mechanisms have been fully mobilised.

Coordinated rescue

A coordinated rescue matrix, combining the Fisheries department, Marine Enforcement, Coastal Police, and Coast Guard, is currently scanning the sea using speedboats, patrol vessels and drone surveillance, with search zones expanded across neighbouring coastal districts based on ocean currents and weather patterns.

Addressing structural shortcomings exposed by the incident, the Minister announced plans to reform sea disaster management protocols and to evaluate higher-end rescue technologies, including deploying marine air ambulances at disaster sites.

“To strengthen field operations, the government aims to ensure direct representation of local fishermen in future rescue teams. The District Collector has been directed to submit a detailed report on essential infrastructure upgrades required along Kollam’s coastal belt,” he said. Fisheries Additional Director Smitha R. Nair said that senior officials under the Fisheries Director are currently camping at Neendakara to oversee real-time rescue logistics and provide continuous support to the affected family.

Published - August 07, 2026 07:23 pm IST