Search continues for missing fishing vessel

15 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on board Ajmeersha

The absence of active marine safety systems like GPS or radio tracking devices in the missing fishing vessel, Ajmeersha, has emerged as the biggest hurdle for rescue operators. For over 10 days, rescue squads, including personnel of the Indian Coast Guard and the Navy, have been on a mission off the Malabar coast for the boat and the 15 missing migrant fishers, apart from coordinating with other regional squads. According to Fisheries Department sources, officials overseeing the rescue operation have already communicated their dilemma to Fisheries Minister Saji Cheriyan during an online review meeting. They also confirmed that there was also no clarity yet on the safety accessories inside the boat, though the boat owners reiterated that they had complied with all safety guidelines.