Thiruvananthapuram: Search operations for fisherman Shijin, 32, who went missing after a boat capsized off Muthalapozhi on July 31, continued for the ninth day on Saturday with Coast Guard, the marine enforcement wing of fisheries department and local fishermen joining the efforts.The search was intensified amid the growing concern of Shijin’s family over the delay in tracing him. Boats and drones have been deployed to scan the waters and coastal stretches around Muthalapozhi while Coast Guard vessels and helicopters are also reportedly involved in the operation.Shijin’s family had staged a protest on the road outside the Anchuthengu Coastal Police station on Friday, alleging that adequate efforts were not being made to trace him. Family members demanded that the search be intensified and more personnel deployed for the operation.Transport minister C P John visited Shijin’s residence on Friday and met his family members. John promised to intensify the efforts to locate him.The family had also demanded that 10 local fishermen be included in the search, citing their familiarity with the waters and currents around Muthalapozhi. John accepted the demand.Shijin went missing after the fishing boat capsized off Muthalapozhi on July 31.
