KOLLAM: Four fishermen died on Thursday after their boat capsized at Azheekal in Kollam. The condition of two is serious. There were 16 in the boat and of these, seven were rescued in other boats and five swam to safety. The accident happened near Azheekal, five nautical miles away from Azheekal Harbour. The dead have been identified as Thankappan, Sudevan, Sunildath and Sreekumar. The twelve saved have been admitted to various hospitals. They have been admitted to hospitals in Kayamkulam, Ochira and Karunagapally. The two in serious condition have been shifted to Vandanam Medical College.

The fishing boat Omkaram, owned by Aravindan from Azheekal, met with the accident at around 10.30 am. The accident happened while they were returning after fishing. It is said the boat capsized due to strong waves and the fishing net got stuck in the boat and this is also cited as the reason for the accident. There were several fishermen on the shore at the time of the accident. They were the first to engage in rescue operations.