Rescue hopes adrift as marine ambulance remains out of service in Kerala’s Kozhikode
A marine ambulance in Kozhikode, Kerala, has been out of service for over a year due to mechanical issues and lack of funding. Local fishermen are calling for urgent repairs or a replacement vessel, as they currently lack professional rescue support in rough sea conditions.
Why it matters
The lack of emergency maritime infrastructure poses a significant safety risk to coastal communities and traditional fishing workers.
The Fisheries department’s Karunya marine ambulance, which has been out of service for over a year due to mechanical issues, is yet to resume operations despite repeated demands for a dedicated sea rescue service along the Kozhikode coast. In its absence, fishermen continue to rely on ordinary fishing boats during maritime emergencies.
According to fishermen’s representatives, repeated requests to restore the ambulance service have elicited little response, with the Fisheries department citing financial constraints. They said their long-standing demand for a larger rescue vessel with better operational capabilities has also remained unaddressed despite recurring emergencies at sea.
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