CM calls missing fisherman's daughter, assures intensified search

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the search continues for fishermen who went missing at sea off Vizhinjam, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan spoke over the phone with the daughter of missing fisherman John, assuring her that the government would make every possible effort to intensify the search operation.

The Chief Minister told the family that the search would be stepped up and reiterated the government's commitment to making every effort to locate the missing fishermen.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) strongly criticised what it described as the slow pace of the rescue operation. The council said it was unacceptable to show negligence towards fishermen, whom it described as Kerala's "real army."

The KCBC urged authorities to immediately deploy advanced equipment and expert personnel to continue the search. It also called for the maximum utilisation of experienced fishermen, who possess an in-depth understanding of the sea, in the ongoing rescue efforts.

Even as the Chief Minister assured the family of timely government intervention, demands from various quarters for a faster and more intensive search operation continue to grow.