NMPT to assist fishing vessels in distress

NMPT to assist fishing vessels in distress

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Sep 17, 2011 : Various fishermen’s organizations met on Friday, in the course of which fishermen’s leaders flayed New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) for its reluctance to permit entry to fishing vessels in time of distress, leading to loss of life and property. Reminding NMPT that the fishermen sacrificed their land for the construction of this port, they said that the port is now obliged to assist fishermen in distress. They also said that other ports permit entry to fishermen.

A fishermen’s delegation also approached NMPT Chairman P. Tamilvanan and discussed issues with him.

 

As a result of all these discussions, the port management said that it will permit fishing vessels in distress to enter the port area within 15 – 20 minutes after they contact the port using hotlines 9741875428 or 0824-2407428 or the VHF channel 12 and 16.

According to Tamilvanan, the earlier fishing tragedies were due to poor communication and delay in obtaining permission. He also said that the port has to be careful owing to certain security issues connected with handling large quantities of oil and LPG.

During the meeting, Trawl Boats Fishermen’s Association President Mohan Bengre threatened to hold a peaceful protest in front of the port if it refuses to assist fishermen in distress.

Umesh T. Karkera, the honorary president of Karnataka Purse Seine Fishermen’s Association; Navin Karkera, the chairman of the Karnataka Fishermen’s Development Corporation; Nithin Kumar, and other fishermen leaders, as well as NMPT officials and Central India Security Force (CSF) officials were also present during the discussions.

Meanwhile, the six fishermen, who went missing after a boat accident while fishing, still remain missing. Vincent, the only fisherman in the group who survived, is now taking treatment in Wenlock Hospital.

On Friday, the Coast Guard searched the seas with a light aircraft and a boat got from Kochi. The local fishermen and the Panambur police also joined the search