T’puram: Search operations intensified on Saturday for four fishermen who went missing in two separate boat capsize incidents off the Thiruvananthapuram coast as rough seas, strong winds and heavy rain lashed the district amid the southwest monsoon. The accidents occurred at Muthalapozhi and Vizhinjam on Friday night, while several other fishermen were rescued in time.At Muthalapozhi, two fishermen were swept away after their fishing boat was hit by powerful waves near the harbour mouth around 9pm on Friday. The missing men are Shijin, 32, of Anchuthengu, and Freemon, 26, of Kochumethankadavu.The boat, carrying four fishermen from Anchuthengu, Jose, Smith, Shijin and Freemon, encountered turbulent waves while returning to shore. Jose and Smith were rescued, while Shijin and Freemon were thrown into the sea and are missing.Marine enforcement and Coastal police launched search operations soon after the accident. However, rescue efforts have been hampered by strong winds, heavy rain and high waves. Relatives of the missing fishermen staged a protest outside the Coastal police station, alleging delays in the rescue operation and demanding that authorities intensify the search.In another incident off the Vizhinjam coast, John, 54, of Karumkulam and Antony, 61, of Adimalathura went missing after fishing boats capsized in rough sea conditions.Four fishermen—Saju, 35, Deepu, 34, Manoj, 35 and Shaju, 36—were rescued by another fishing boat after they were thrown into the sea. In a separate boat that overturned in the turbulent waters, Cleetus and Mariyadas managed to swim ashore, but Antony remains missing.The worsening sea conditions also caused extensive damage at Vizhinjam fishing harbour, where several fishing boats and traditional catamarans moored at the harbour were battered by strong waves.The state fisheries minister C P John and MLA M Vincent visited Vizhinjam to assess the situation. The minister directed officials to strengthen the search.The rescue operations briefly ran into controversy after fishermen alleged that the fisheries department’s marine ambulance remained idle because fuel was unavailable. Following protests by the fishing community, fuel was arranged, and the vessel was subsequently deployed for the search operation.The twin accidents occurred as Thiruvananthapuram witnessed intense monsoon conditions, with rough seas and strong winds making fishing operations extremely hazardous. Weather authorities have warned fishermen against venturing into the sea until conditions improve.Families shiftedFive families were shifted to a relief camp in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday after floodwaters from the swollen Vamanapuram River entered their houses following heavy rainfall.According to the district information office (IPRD), the affected families are from the Vaidyanmukku area in Keezhuvilam-Koonthalloor village under Chirayinkeezhu taluk. District authorities relocated the residents to a relief camp set up at Padanilam LP School.A total of 23 people have been accommodated at the camp, including eight children.The administration is closely monitoring the situation and has asked residents living along riverbanks and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow the instructions issued by local authorities.The district has been witnessing widespread rainfall over the past two days under the influence of the southwest monsoon, with authorities maintaining heightened preparedness for possible flooding and rain-related emergencies.
