Thoothukudi: A search and rescue operation is underway for a fisherman who went missing after falling into the sea from a mechanised boat off the Tuticorin coast, local fishermen said on Saturday.
The missing fisherman, identified as Thambi Raj from the Matta Kadai area of Tuticorin, had ventured into the sea on Friday.
According to fellow fishermen, the incident occurred at night while the mechanised boat was returning to the Tuticorin fishing harbour. Due to strong winds, approximately five nautical miles off the coast, Raj accidentally fell overboard into the rough waters, fishermen added.
Following the incident, fellow fishermen deployed two mechanised boats to conduct an intensive search operation in the vicinity.
However, the local fishing community has alleged that despite informing the Fisheries Department about the incident, officials have not yet deployed departmental rescue boats for the search efforts.
The fishermen have urged the Fisheries Department to take immediate and appropriate action to locate the missing man.
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