Fishermen deaths in coastal districts rise sharply to 102 in 2025-26
The number of fishermen deaths in three coastal districts of Karnataka rose to 102 during the 2025-26 fiscal year. The Minister for Fisheries noted that life jacket distribution remains inconsistent across districts, with plans underway to improve safety equipment procurement.
Why it matters
The sharp increase in fatalities raises concerns about maritime safety protocols and the efficacy of government welfare programs for the fishing community.
The number of fishermen who died while fishing in the three coastal districts in the State rose steeply to 102 in the last financial year (2025-26) compared with the previous two fiscals, informed K. S. Basavanthappa, Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport on Tuesday.
According to the Minister, 57 and 56 fishermen had died while fishing in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts in 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively.
He was replying to an unstarred question by Legislative Council member Kishore Kumar Puttur.
No life jackets distributed in Uttara Kannada
Incidentally, of the total 102 deaths reported in the last financial year, the highest number (57) were in Uttara Kannada, where the Department of Fisheries had distributed no life jackets to fishermen. Uttara Kannada is the home district of former Minister for Fisheries and Ports Mankal Vaidya, who represents the Bhatkal Assembly constituency.
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