'Don't know what to say to console the family, will do everything possible'; Chief Minister visits family of Gautham Krishna

KOLLAM: Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Monday visited the family of Gautham Krishna, who has been missing after a fishing boat capsized in Neendakara. He said he did not know what to say to console the family and described the incident as a tragedy that should never happen to any family. Satheesan dismissed allegations that the search operation was not being carried out effectively and said all possible efforts would be made to find Gautham. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister Shibu Baby John and Collector Anie Jula Thomas.

“I do not know what to say to console the family. This is a tragedy that should never happen to any family. There is no truth to the allegation that the search operation is ineffective. We will do everything possible to find Gautham,” Satheesan said.

The search operation is still underway. Satheesan said the search was stopped only when weather conditions became unfavourable. He said all possible methods of search had been used from the first day.

“The search is continuing. We stopped it temporarily only when the weather conditions became dangerous. There was a situation where those involved in the search could also have been put at risk if they went into the sea during bad weather,” he said.

Satheesan also said the government would soon introduce systems to prevent such disasters. The measures will be implemented with the participation of fishermen.

"We will soon implement systems to prevent such disasters. The plans will include the participation of fishermen. We will immediately move towards putting in place temporary measures to ensure the safety of fishermen,” the Chief Minister said.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala visited the family of fisherman John, who has been missing at sea in Vizhinjam. Eleven days have passed since John went missing, but he has not yet been found. Fisheries Minister V E Abdul Gafoor and Kovalam MLA M Vincent also accompanied Chennithala during his visit to Vizhinjam. This was the first time the Fisheries Minister visited John’s family.

“This is a very painful situation. They have lost a precious life, and we share their pain. The search will continue with full intensity. We will do everything possible on behalf of the government,” Chennithala said after visiting the family.