Tamil Nadu fishermen die during Cyclone Murasu

Nine fishermen from the Kasimedu area lost their lives following a tragedy involving the fishing trawler Sri Sengalamman during Cyclone Murasu. Seven bodies have been recovered, while two individuals remain missing. The vessel reportedly experienced engine failure near Ramayapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh after departing from Chennai on October 29.

Questions have been raised regarding why the boat remained outside Nizampatnam harbour despite cyclone warnings. The Coast Guard suggested the crew may have mistaken a temporary lull in the storm for the cyclone passing, unaware that the rear half of the storm was still approaching. There are also allegations of a communication gap between the fisheries departments of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, met with the bereaved families to offer support. He noted that the families are demanding government jobs in addition to the relief funds of 7 lakhs and 2 lakhs rupees announced by the government. DMK MP Kanimozhi also called for increased relief assistance and accountability from the state government regarding the tragedy.