Fear is the only constant when fishermen sail towards Muthalapozhi in Thiruvananthapuram. They have received several promises but no action has been initiated to keep them safe.
Published Sep 10, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 10, 2024 | 9:26 PM
The deceptive waters of Muthalapozhi that have claimed many lives.
Fishing boats skimming over the tranquil waters leading to the Muthalapozhi estuary with coconut palms nodding their heads in farewell present a mesmerising picture.
As the fishermen navigate the brackish waters shimmering in the glistening sun, their family members immerse themselves in prayers, for they know their dear ones are heading to the mouth of death.
The Muthalapozhi inlet in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital, is a particularly dangerous stretch. Here, the estuary’s unpredictable currents, often whipped up by sudden storms, can catch fishermen off guard. Hidden reefs and shifting sandbars further exacerbate the situation.
Fishermen told South First that fear is a constant companion for those venturing into the Muthalapozhi and the sea beyond.
Once a bustling hub for fishermen across the region, Muthalapozhi harbour has fallen into disrepair. Strategically located between Neendakara, Perumathura, and Vizhinjam, it was once a popular destination for local and visiting fishermen.
However, in recent years, the harbour has become a nightmare, with frequent boat accidents claiming many lives.
As frequent boat accidents claiming lives make the harbour a nightmare, fishermen claim the actual death toll is quite high.
Since 2013, the Muthalapozhi mouth has been gulped down many lives, brought in by the estuary’s treacherous currents and hidden dangers. While official statistics report the loss of 29 lives during this period, local fishermen claim the toll is much higher, exceeding 70.
Those who brave these treacherous waters describe a constant sense of dread. The estuary’s serene exterior belies its deadly nature, as lurking dangers can strike without warning. Fisherfolk recounted terrifying tales of sudden squalls, treacherous currents, and hidden reefs that have claimed countless lives.
“I lost my husband, Stephen Fernandez in a boat accident at Muthalapozhi on 10 July 2023,” Jasin of Puthukuruchi told South First.
Jasin, who lost her husband.
“In that incident, three others – Kunjumon, Robin, and Biju of Puthukuruchi, too, lost their lives. The four were sailing a boat, ‘Paralokamatha’, when tragedy struck at around 4 am.”
Jasin said Fernandez and friends were upbeat that fateful day. They expected a bounty.
As they ventured into the open waters, the sky darkened, and a fierce storm brewed on the horizon. As they reached Muthalapozhi inlet, the storm struck with a fury, sending towering waves crashing over their boat.
“They might have fought desperately to keep their vessels afloat,” Jasin sighed. “However, the storm’s relentless force proved too much. They were swept away by the raging waves.”
She blamed the construction of the breakwater for the deadly and unpredictable fury that Muthalapozhi often unleashes.
It is said that several factors contribute to the high incidence of accidents in Muthalapozhi.
According to a technical report prepared by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) in March 2024, the entrance of the Muthalapozhi inlet has been silted up.
CWPRS report.
It is mainly due to net littoral drift generally transported from south to north causing the operation of fishing vessels extremely difficult during rough weather season.
It is also said that the once-navigable waters of the Muthalapozhi estuary have become increasingly treacherous due to the combined effects of climate change and human activity.
Periodic sea runoffs and intensifying cyclones, fuelled by rising sea levels, have led to the accumulation of sediment, shallowing the estuary. This sedimentation has disrupted the natural flow of water, causing the embankment stones to erode and scatter in the channel.
These scattered stones pose a significant hazard to fishing vessels, hindering their smooth movement and increasing the risk of accidents.
Meanwhile, the state Harbour Engineering Department (HED) has prepared a proposal for rectifying the problem at Muthalapozhi inlet.
“Recently, several accidents of fishing boats were reported near the entrance of the inlet channel. To have a safe entrance at the inlet, it was proposed to train the inlet by providing an extension to the existing breakwaters,” read an excerpt of the report HED had submitted to CWPRS.
“The existing northern breakwater and southern breakwater lengths are 410m and 430m, respectively. Different layouts were simulated and optimised breakwater extension of the southern breakwater of length 420m was found suitable,” the report added.
Meanwhile, Aji Alex of Anchuthengu, who survived a boat accident in August, told South First that when mishaps occur in the Muthalapozhi inlet, victims face a terrifying choice: Swim towards the sea or risk drowning in the powerful currents.
Aji Alex.
“But the danger doesn’t end there. As victims struggle to stay afloat, they may be flung against the groynes, causing severe head injuries. This hidden hazard has claimed countless lives, making Muthalapozhi inlet a treacherous trap for the unwary. The fear is such that we pray every time we sail out to Muthalapozhi,” he added.
In 2011, CWPRS conducted a similar study. It recommended sand bypassing and extension of the breakwater.
However, in the recent study, the littoral drift distribution and shoreline evolution indicated that there is no need for sand bypassing for the next 25 years after the construction of the proposed optimised breakwater.
The HED hoped that a ₹3 crore project – ‘Muthalapozhi Fishing Harbour – Urgent Dredging of Channel and Rectification of South Breakwater’ — would soon be implemented.
The fisherfolk also pointed out the negligence on the part of Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL), the concessionaire of Vizhinjam International Seaport Thiruvananthapuram.
Dredging of sand by Adani Group.
The fisher community alleged that despite its commitment in a 2018 MoU, AVPPL failed to uphold its promise of maintaining the navigation channel at Muthalapozhi harbour.
They point out that the company was granted permission to dismantle a crucial part of the harbor’s infrastructure in exchange for ensuring the safety of local fishing activities.
However, Adani’s neglect resulted in the accumulation of sand, posing a serious threat to fishermen’s lives and livelihoods.
This breach of trust has led to widespread discontent, as local communities felt betrayed by a corporation that was granted significant privileges.
Valerian Isaac, District President of the Kerala Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF), lashed out at both the Union and state governments for their indifference to the plight of Muthalapozhi’s fishermen.
Valerian Isaac.
Isaac said hollow promises by the government followed each tragedy in the estuary. Despite numerous accidents and tragic loss of life, the authorities have failed to take concrete steps to address the underlying issues.
He accused the government of prioritising corporate interests over the lives of fishermen. “Adani and the state government have betrayed us,” he said.
“While the fisheries minister, Saji Cheriyan, has called on Adani to take responsibility, the state government ultimately must ensure that these promises are fulfilled. If they cannot deliver, they should resign,” he told South First.
At the same time, Shibu Vytaz, a fisherman and a civil defence volunteer said that the lack of emergency care including marine ambulance had resulted in many deaths.
Shibu Vytaz.
Shibu, a former rescue volunteer, had witnessed tragic accidents in the region. He claimed that the number of incidents involving boats colliding with groynes skyrocketed since Adani halted its dredging operations. The accumulation of sand altered the coastline’s dynamics, making it more dangerous for navigation.
“This is nothing short of cold-blooded murder,” the volunteer said. “The government cannot absolve itself of the responsibility for these preventable tragedies,” he told South First.
A people’s representative voiced deep frustration over the hardships being faced by the fishing community due to long standing issues.
“These problems have persisted for many years, despite numerous studies conducted to address them. The time for academic research is over, and concrete solutions are urgently needed,” Susybinu, Muthalapozhi ward member, Chirayinkeezhu grama panchayat, told South First.
Wreckage of a fishing vessel at Muthalapozhi
She also highlighted the lack of accountability while criticising various stakeholders, stating that everyone has their responsibilities but few are fulfilling them.
The recurring boat accidents in Muthalapozhi underscore the critical need for immediate and decisive action. The loss of lives not only devastates families but also has far-reaching economic and social consequences.
Muthalapozhi can be transformed into a safer and more sustainable fishing community, ensuring that precious lives are no longer lost to preventable accidents.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
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