Six Fishermen Missing After Boat Capsizes Off Visakhapatnam

Search and rescue operations continued on Monday for six fishermen missing off the coast of Visakhapatnam after their boat capsized in the Bay of Bengal, while the vessel's owner was safely evacuated to shore. The sole survivor, Kari Chinna, was airlifted from the Panama-flagged merchant vessel MV Universe Wealthy to the naval air station INS Dega on Sunday evening and was reported to be in good health following a medical evaluation.

The fishing boat, identified as INDAPMMVS83, had set sail from the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour with seven crew members on board. Authorities state the boat encountered trouble while returning to port, with initial reports suggesting a mechanical failure followed by capsizing due to rough seas and strong winds. The incident occurred approximately ten nautical miles from the fishing port.

Kari Chinna was rescued by the passing merchant ship on Sunday after he and the other crew members had clung to their capsized vessel for hours. Inclement weather initially complicated his transfer, but he was eventually airlifted once conditions improved. The extensive search for his six crewmates involves the Indian Coast Guard, the Indian Navy, and Coastal...