All the fishermen stranded off the Paradip coast in Odisha have safely arrived at Paradip Harbour and are expected back in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday, Andhra Pradesh Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu said.
The group of fishermen was rescued after their fishing boat suffered engine failure and drifted into deep waters amid severe weather conditions off the Odisha coast.
“All of the stranded fishermen are safe and have successfully reached Paradip Harbour. They are scheduled to return to Visakhapatnam on Tuesday,” Minister Atchannaidu sated in an official press release issued on Monday.
Medical checkups conducted at Paradip Harbour have confirmed that all the fishermen are currently in good health, according to the Minister.
Personnel from the Ichchapuram Police have already arrived at Paradip Harbour on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh government to coordinate and oversee the travel arrangements for the fishermen, he added.
“The government places the highest priority on the safety of our fishermen. We have closely coordinated with the relevant authorities at every step to ensure their well-being. It is a matter of immense relief that they are all safe,” the minister stated.
He further assured that the state government is prepared to provide all necessary support and assistance to the fishermen upon their arrival in Visakhapatnam.
In a related development, Kari Chinna – one of seven fishermen who went missing after setting sail from the Visakhapatnam coast on July 1 – was safely airlifted to INS Dega in Visakhapatnam on Monday by an Indian Navy helicopter.
The medical examinations conducted on him have shown him to be in good health.
Search operations are continuing to trace the remaining six fishermen.
