Published Aug 19, 2026 | 10:23 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 19, 2026 | 10:23 AM
The fishermen went on the trip in search of tuna. (Representative image/ Bennet John)
A coordinated search involving the Indian Coast Guard and the Navy is underway in the Bay of Bengal to locate a mechanised fishing boat that has been missing since early August with eight fishermen aboard.
The boat, MO 135, left the Odalarevu fish landing centre in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district on 3 August for a deep-sea fishing trip along the Andhra Pradesh coast. The fishermen went on the trip in search of tuna.
According to officials, the crew stayed in touch with their families by phone until August 7, after which they could not be reached.
When last contacted, the fishermen reportedly told their families that they were moving towards the Odisha coast.
The vessel, which was expected to return by August 12, failed to show up, adding to the worry of the relatives.
After waiting for a few days, the fishermen’s families on August 17 approached the authorities. Subsequently, the district administration alerted the Coast Guard units in Kakinada and Visakhapatnam. A missing-persons complaint was also registered at the Allavaram police station.
At a press briefing on August 18, District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar said the Coast Guard, Navy and Fisheries Department were coordinating the search operation. Kumar said details of the missing boat have been shared with vessels sailing across the Bay of Bengal.
Fishing boats operating out of Kakinada and Uppada have also been asked to watch for the boat and the crew.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the search operations and directed officials to use every available resource to find the boat and the men. He also assured the fishermen’s families of full support from the government.
Officials have noted that the boat was carrying diesel and food supplies sufficient to last until around August 20, along with a VHF radio set, offering some hope that the crew could still be safe.
Meanwhile, YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy urged authorities to widen the search using all agencies and technology available.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
