Search for Missing Fisherman John Continues Amid Allegations of Government Negligence by Family

Vizhinjam: The search operation for fisherman John, who went missing in the Vizhinjam sea, continued for the sixth consecutive day amid allegations that it has turned into a mere formality. Despite criticism over the lack of government intervention, even senior officials have reportedly failed to visit the spot or coordinate the rescue efforts effectively.

Strong protests have erupted after Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who visited the house of Kalliyoor native Rajesh who died during a rescue operation in Kannur, did not visit John’s house at Pulluvila nearby or meet his family.

The Coast Guard deployed a vessel for the search operation only around 2 pm on Wednesday. Another vessel that had left Kochi on Tuesday reached the accident site only by afternoon.

The aerial search operation has also reportedly been ineffective. Air searches are not being conducted during favourable weather conditions, while searches during strong winds and rain are not yielding results. Two Coast Guard search boats, each carrying three personnel, also began operations only late on Wednesday.

Officials who assured the family that updates would be provided without delay allegedly failed to keep their promise. John’s daughter Jiji said that the Fisheries Additional Director responds only after repeated calls from the family.

She alleged that authorities who had called them for discussions and promised to intensify the search had failed to take effective action. Jiji also accused the government of neglecting the lives of fishermen because they belong to a minority community.

CPI(M) state committee member V Sivankutty visited John’s house at Pulluvila and met his wife Valsala and children. The family informed him that officials had failed in their duties even six days after the incident and that the district collector had neither visited the spot nor responded to their calls.

Sivankutty contacted Collector Anukumari, following which the collector spoke with John’s children. The collector assured them that the search operation would be intensified from the next day.

Authorities said that the Coast Guard, Coastal Police and Marine Enforcement agencies are continuing the search and that a letter has been sent seeking assistance from the Navy.