Six Fishermen Missing After Boat Capsizes Off Visakhapatnam Coast, Search Underway

Six fishermen are missing after their fishing boat reportedly capsized off the Visakhapatnam coast amid rough sea conditions triggered by monsoon activity in the Bay of Bengal. One fisherman from the seven-member crew has been rescued by a passing cruise ship, while search and rescue operations continue to locate the remaining crew members.

The incident took place after the group set out from the Visakhapatnam fishing harbour on July 1 for a routine fishing trip. According to officials and fishing association representatives, the vessel is believed to have overturned due to strong winds, turbulent waters and adverse weather conditions associated with the advancing monsoon along the Andhra Pradesh coastline.

The crew was expected to return by July 4, but concern grew when the boat failed to reach shore on schedule. Family members said all mobile phones of the fishermen had been switched off, prompting them to alert Marine Police and the Coast Guard. This led to the launch of an emergency search and rescue operation in coordination with multiple agencies.

Also Read: One Dead After Boat Carrying 35 Pilgrims Overturns In Maharashtra’s Beed

Rescue efforts have been intensified with the involvement of the Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police and the Indian Navy. Helicopters have also been deployed to assist in aerial surveillance of the affected sea area, while additional Coast Guard vessels have been directed to expand the search zone under instructions from state authorities.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation with senior officials and instructed them to accelerate rescue operations. He emphasised close coordination between Marine Police and other agencies and sought regular updates on the progress of the mission as search efforts continued.

In a key development during the operation, a passing ship reportedly spotted five fishermen at sea and assisted in bringing them onboard to safety. Based on information provided by the rescued individual and the ship’s crew, authorities were alerted immediately, helping coordinate further search efforts for the six missing fishermen in the region.

Also Read: Indian Coast Guard Rescues Six Fishermen In Swift 90-Minute Operation