Tamil Nadu fishermen deaths during Cyclone Murasu

During Cyclone Murasu, the fishing trawler Sri Sengalamman, which departed from Kasimedu, Chennai, on October 29, capsized near the Kothapatnam coast in Andhra Pradesh. While initial reports indicated four deaths, the toll has risen to seven recovered bodies, with two fishermen, identified as Rajesh and Narayanan, remaining missing.

The vessel reportedly experienced engine failure near Ramayapatnam Port. Investigations have focused on why the crew departed Nizampatnam on the night of November 2 despite cyclone warnings. The Coast Guard suggested the crew may have mistaken a lull in the storm for the cyclone passing. Search operations involving aircraft from Chennai, a ship from Krishnapatnam, and scuba divers from Visakhapatnam were conducted between November 3 and November 5, but the two missing individuals have not been located.

Allegations of a communication gap between the fisheries departments of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have emerged. Additionally, families of the deceased have raised allegations against the boat owner and the Coast Guard, claiming a lack of timely intervention contributed to the tragedy.

In response, Tamil Nadu officials announced relief funds of 2 lakhs and 7 lakhs rupees. Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, met with bereaved families, noting their demands for government jobs. DMK MP Kanimozhi has also called for increased relief and greater government accountability. The Prakasam Joint Director of Fisheries, Srinivasa Rao, stated that boat owners will work to bring the submerged vessel ashore using specialized machinery.