Fishing boat capsizes in heavy surf at Muthalapozhi, body of missing man found

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Accidental deaths persist in Muthalapozhi, the capital's coastal area. The latest incident occurred in the estuary around 3:30 am when a fishing boat carrying six fishermen capsized due to heavy waves. The tragedy struck suddenly as they set out for their fishing expedition. Five people managed to swim to safety but Johny (50), a resident of Puthukurichi, remained missing. He was later found and shifted to the hospital but he died. His body was then transferred to Chirayinkeezh Taluk Hospital.

The surviving fishermen and others from a nearby boat attempted to rescue John initially, but the forceful waves thwarted their efforts. Eventually, John was found lying near a cliff yet it was too late to save him upon reaching the hospital. Distressed fishermen voiced grievances that neither the Coast Guard nor other governmental agencies were present for rescue operations despite the early morning accident.

Many lives have been lost in the fishing community due to accidents attributed to the natural sandbar at the mouth of Muthalapozhi and the rocks strewn along the shoreline from improperly constructed levees. Muthalapozhi, where the Kadinamkulam backwater converges with the Arabian Sea, has tragically claimed numerous fishermen's lives in recent years, earning it a grim reputation as an unsafe location.