Boat tragedy: Families do not know of the tragedy?

Team Udayavani, May 5, 2019, 1:47 PM IST

Udupi: Apparently, the family members of the fishermen missing along with the deep sea trawler Suvarna Tribhuja remain unaware of the finding ot the wreckage of the vessel and it being brought ashore. It is learnt that the fact has not been relayed to the family members out of fear that they might go into shock on receiving information of the sinking of the boat and possible demise of their loved ones on contrary to their wishing on the remote chance that their loved ones shall return.

The people who remain unawares of the finding of the wreckage include Shyamala, wife of missing fisherman Chandrashekhar Kotian, Mohini, wife of missing fisherman Damodar Salian, Seeta Salian mother of Damodar and Suvarna Tingalaya, father of Damodar. The tears in the eyes of parents of both Chandrashekhar and Damodar keep dripping in their continuous wait for the return of their children along with the other waiting with their families for the arrival of their loved ones.

Household are very poor financially

Except for the brothers of Damodar, no one else in the house knows any updates on the missing boat and they continue waiting for his return today or tomorrow. Making matters worse, the TV in the house is not working and they also do not read newspapers. The med who know the fact are clueless on how to convey the matter to the women. The family of Chandrashekhar also does not watch TV. Both the household are very poor financially and remain waiting for the return of their bread winners.

Discussion with defence minister

Meanwhile, amidst these developments, president of Fishermens’ Association Satish Kundar said, “Discussion will be held with defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman after meeting her within May 16. Inquiry needs to be conducted as to how the boat got sunk. In addition, we will urge the government to pay maximum compensation to the families of all seven missing fishermen. Discussion in this regard was already held in a meeting that was conducted in the presence of MLA Raghupati Bhat at the community hall of Malpe Fishermen’s Association.

“INS Cochin had sailed in the same route as that of Suvarna Tribhuja boat on the fateful day of December 15. This will be brought to the attention of the defense minister. If proper response is not available, then decision will be taken about further action on the matter,” he added.

A loan of Rs 45 lakh

The deep sea trawler Suvarna Tribhuja was a 23.69 meter long vessel with an engine of 350 HP and was built in 2016, registered with the department on September 19, 2016. A loan of Rs 45 lakh was taken from Mahalakshmi co-operative bank of Malpe for the boat. The boat is insured for an amount of Rs 40 lakh and is still pending to pay back Rs 15.52 lakh of the loan amount.