Body of Fisherman Thomas Recovered From Backwaters Near Muthalapozhi Harbour

Recovery of Thomas (Praveen) at Muthalapozhi

The search operation, which had been suspended overnight, concluded on Tuesday morning when rescuers recovered the body of 42-year-old Thomas (Praveen). The office of the Fisheries Minister confirmed the recovery of the fisherman, who had gone missing in the backwaters near the Muthalapozhi fishing harbour in Anchuthengu.

According to a coastal police officer, the incident occurred on Monday evening while the fisherman was returning from a fishing trip in a country boat. The officer stated that the victim experienced a medical emergency while on board, explaining that he suffered an epileptic seizure while sitting in the boat, after which he slipped and fell into the backwaters.

A scuba diving team from the Fire and Rescue Services initiated a search operation shortly after the incident was reported on Monday. Efforts were paused due to darkness and resumed at first light on Tuesday, according to local sources.

Ongoing Search Efforts in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram

The death of Thomas (Praveen) comes during a period of heightened search activity across the region. Authorities are currently engaged in extensive operations to locate three other fishermen who went missing in separate boat mishaps off the coasts of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.

The individuals still missing—identified as Gautam Krishna, John, and Shijin—disappeared during fishing boat incidents that occurred on July 31 at Neendakara in Kollam, and at Vizhinjam and Muthalapozhi in Thiruvananthapuram. As of Tuesday, August 11, the search for these three fishermen has entered its 12th day.

A multi-agency response is coordinating the search effort.

• The Indian Navy
• The Coastal Police

Satheesan and other Ministers met with the families of the missing fishermen to discuss the ongoing search operations.