Four fishermen from Tamil Nadu have been confirmed dead following a boat capsize off the Andhra Pradesh coast during Cyclone Murasu. Five crew members remain missing as rescue operations continue.
A tragic maritime incident has occurred off the coast of Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam district, where a fishing vessel capsized amidst the severe conditions of Cyclone Murasu. Local authorities have confirmed the recovery of four bodies, while an intensive search operation is ongoing for the five remaining crew members who are still missing.
The vessel, which departed from Chennai on October 29, was part of a fleet that had been advised by maritime authorities to remain at designated safe anchorages at Ramayapatnam and Nizampatnam ports to avoid the approaching storm. Official records indicated that the fleet was secure in these zones as recently as November 2.
However, reports suggest the affected vessel left the safety of Nizampatnam Port on November 3 without notifying local authorities. The crew was reportedly attempting to navigate toward Ramayapatnam to regroup with the rest of the fleet when they encountered the severe weather associated with the cyclone, leading to the vessel capsizing. Three of the deceased were recovered near Kothapatnam, while the fourth was retrieved during the active search mission.
The situation remains critical as the Indian Coast Guard and local district authorities coordinate a large-scale search to locate the five missing fishermen. Personnel from both Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are working together to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased and manage the ongoing rescue efforts. The Government General Hospital in Ongole is currently overseeing the processing of the recovered victims.
This incident highlights the severe risks posed to coastal operations during extreme weather events and the critical importance of strict adherence to maritime safety protocols. As authorities continue to monitor the impact of Cyclone Murasu, the primary focus remains on the ongoing search and rescue efforts for the missing crew members.