Body of missing fisherman recovered from South Thumba coast

Thiruvananthapuram: The body of a 42-year-old fisherman, who went missing while fishing off the Kochuveli coast on Friday, was recovered from South Thumba coast around 3.30pm on Saturday.The deceased was identified as Shibhu Seril, a native of Vizhinjam. According to sources, he ventured into the sea for fishing on Friday morning. However, his boat was reportedly swept away by strong ocean currents while he was laying fishing nets. He subsequently went missing, prompting rescue efforts involving locals and coastal police. Search operations were launched soon but were later called off by evening due to heavy sea currents and adverse weather conditions. The search resumed on Saturday with the participation of rescue teams and multiple fishing boats. However, authorities again suspended the operation around noon owing to rough sea conditions. Later in the afternoon, Shibhu's body was found near the South Thumba coast. The body was shifted to Govt Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, for postmortem examination. During Saturday's search operation, the fishing boat Fatima Mata, owned by Antony, a native of Poonthura, developed engine failure and remained stranded at sea. Following instructions from the assistant director of fisheries (ADF), Vizhinjam, another boat Darshanam reached the spot, secured the vessel and safely towed it to Vizhinjam harbour. Vizhinjam coastal police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident.