Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)
Udupi, May 5: It is learnt that the family members of the missing fishermen of Suvarna Tribhuja boat are not aware that the wreckage of the missing boat is brought to surface from deep sea. This matter is not relayed to the family members as they may get shocked by the confirmation of the news that the boat indeed sunk into deep sea and the chances of their near and dear ones surviving the tragedy is very remote.
Shyamala, wife of missing fisherman Chandrashekhar Kotian, Mohini, wife of missing fisherman Damodar Salian, Seeta Salian, mother of Damodar and Suvarna Tingalaya, father of Damodar are not yet aware that the wreck of the boat is discovered in deep sea. They are still waiting for their family members to return home. The tears in the eyes of parents of both Chandrashekhar and Damodar are never ending, as they sob continuously thinking of their sons.
In the house of missing fisherman Damodar excepting his brothers no one else knows any updates on the missing boat. They are just waiting that Damodar may return today or tomorrow. The TV in their home is also not working. They do not read newspaper. The men folk in the household are clueless as to how to convey the actual matter to the women of the family. The family of Chandrashekhar also does not watch TV. Both the household, which are financially very poor are waiting for their bread winners to return home.
In the midst of these developments, Satish Kundar, president of Fishermens' Association said, "Discussion will be held with defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman after meeting her within May 16. Inquiry needs to be conducted as to how the boat got sunk. In addition, we will urge the government to pay maximum compensation to the families of all seven missing fishermen. Discussion in this regard was already held in a meeting that was conducted in the presence of MLA Raghupati Bhat at the community hall of Malpe Fishermen’s Association.
"INS Cochin had sailed in the same route as that of Suvarna Tribhuja boat on the fateful day of December 15. This will be brought to the attention of the defense minister. If proper response is not available, then decision will be taken about further action on the matter."
Suvarna Tribhuja boat was built in 2016. The boat was 23.69 meter long and has an engine of 350 HP. The boat was registered with the department on September 19, 2016. A loan of Rs 45 lac is taken on this boat in Mahalakshmi co-operative bank of Malpe. Loan amount of Rs 15.52 lac is still pending to be repaid to the bank. The boat is insured for an amount of Rs 40 lac.