Chennai,Nov 2026 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has expressed grief over the deaths of three fishermen whose bodies were recovered along the Andhra Pradesh coast after their fishing boat reportedly suffered an engine failure in the mid-sea. He has announced a compensation of ₹7 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ordered arrangements to bring their bodies to Tamil Nadu at government expense.
According to the statement, nine fishermen had ventured into the sea for fishing from the Chennai Fishing Harbour on October 29, 2026, in a mechanised fishing boat. They were identified as K. Bhakkrisamy alias Sooriyan (49), M. Kuppan (48), J. Mohan (47), K. Rajesh (52), A. Murugan (48), L. Kuppusamy (58), C. Vijayakanth (44), A. Aravind (40) and M. Narayanan (57).
Following a weather warning and precautionary advisory issued by the Tamil Nadu Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, the fishermen had taken shelter safely at the Nizampatnam Fishing Harbour in Andhra Pradesh.
On the night of November 2, the boat reportedly began its journey towards Ramayapatnam Harbour. However, its engine stopped functioning in the middle of the sea.
Early on November 3, fishermen aboard another mechanised boat received information through a wireless communication message from those on the stranded vessel about the engine failure.
As no further communication could be established with the missing boat and its location remained unknown, the Tamil Nadu Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare directed fishing boats operating from Chennai and Andhra Pradesh, along with Indian Coast Guard ships, to undertake search operations.
The department was also instructed to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities and the families of the missing fishermen to establish their whereabouts and ensure their safe recovery.
During the search operation, the bodies of three fishermen — J. Mohan, A. Murugan and C. Vijayakanth — were recovered along the Andhra Pradesh coastline in Prakasam district. Their identities were subsequently established.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incident, Chief Minister Vijay said he was distressed by the news of the deaths. He also directed officials to expedite the identification of the two recovered bodies and intensify efforts to trace the remaining missing fishermen.
The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families and relatives of the fishermen who lost their lives.
As part of the relief measures, he ordered financial assistance of ₹7 lakh each to the families of the deceased fishermen. Of this amount, ₹2 lakh each will be released immediately.
He also instructed officials to make arrangements to transport the bodies of the deceased fishermen to Tamil Nadu at government expense and hand them over to their respective families.
Search operations are continuing to locate the remaining fishermen who were aboard the missing vessel.
