Fisherman dies after boat capsizes off Kozhikode coast

Kozhikode: A fisherman lost his life after his boat capsized off the Vadakara coast in the early hours of Saturday. The deceased is Padayan Valappil Aboobacker (64), a resident of Azhithala in Vadakara Beach. The boat owner, Chathothu Ibrahim, narrowly escaped with minor injuries.

The duo ventured into the sea around 4 am from the fish landing centre at Vadakara estuary in a small boat to catch mackerel. However, the boat capsized approximately 6 nautical miles off the Vadakara coast around 5:30 a.m. Despite Ibrahim throwing a rope to help Aboobacker get back onto the boat, his efforts proved futile.

Other fishermen in the vicinity initiated a search and eventually recovered Aboobacker's body. They brought his remains to shore by 8 am. The coastal police later transported the body to Vadakara District Hospital for further procedures. The mortal remains will be handed over to his family after an autopsy, authorities said.

Ibrahim, the injured boat owner, has been admitted to the same hospital for treatment.

The fishermen reported that the boat's engine and fishing net were completely damaged in the accident. They managed to bring the damaged vessel back to shore.

Fishermen slams coastal police
The fishermen alleged that the coastal police were unresponsive during the rescue operation. According to the fisherfolk, they sought help from the coastal police at around 6 am, but the officials claimed the boat driver was not on duty.

“The coastal police were neither available to rescue the fishermen nor to recover the boat and the fishing net. It's a serious lapse,” said VP Abdul Shukkoor, President of the Vadakara Muttungal Malsya Thozhilali Vikasana Kshema Sahakarana Sangam, speaking to Onmanorama.

“The authorities must ensure that rescue boats and their staff are available 24 hours a day. We plan to lodge a formal complaint with the Chief Minister, Fisheries Minister, and district collector regarding the coastal police's inaction,” he added.