Indian Navy joins search for three fishermen missing after boat mishaps in Kerala
The Indian Navy has deployed a specialized diving team and sonar equipment to assist in the search for three fishermen missing since July 31. The operation follows public protests and political pressure regarding the perceived slow response of local authorities.
Why it matters
Highlights the intersection of disaster response, public accountability, and the role of military assets in civilian search and rescue operations.
The Indian Navy on Sunday (August 9, 2026) joined the search operations for three fishermen who went missing following separate boat mishaps in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts, officials said.
INS Kalpeni sailed out from Kochi on Saturday night (August 8, 2026) for the search operation, a defence spokesperson said in a statement.
The vessel was anchored one nautical mile off Neendakara on Sunday morning, the statement said.
“A specialised Indian Navy diving team is onboard the ship. The Marine Enforcement Wing was contacted for localising the diving position further. A Marine Enforcement boat is maintaining its presence in the vicinity of the ship,” the statement said.
The search involving Indian Navy divers commenced around 10 a.m. off INS Kalpeni, officials said.
“The divers are also utilising portable SONAR. The SONAR increases the capability of the divers for underwater surveillance and diving operations,” the Defence Spokesperson said.
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