The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Coast Guard re-floats fishing trawler

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Saturday, Nov 10, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Coast Guard re-floats fishing trawler

Staff Reporter

Damaged during movement of Coast Guard ship

Coast Guard has agreed to repair the trawler
Government asked to release distress relief for fishermen

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Coast Guard was successful in its efforts on Friday to re-float the trawler that was damaged in an accident at Vizhinjam harbour.

The Coast Guard mobilised one ship, two salvage expert officers, a team of divers and support equipments for the salvage operation.

Controlled lifting

After initial under water inspection on Thursday, the trawler was moved alongside cargo wharf.

Inflatable gears, compressors, submersible pumps and ships cable gear were used for controlled lifting of trawler and dewatering. The trawler was re-floated on Friday and repairs will be undertaken soon.

Fishing trawler Annai Devadanam was damaged during movement of Coast Guard ship inside Vizhinjam harbour on Wednesday. The trawler subsequently sank partially owing to water ingress two hours after the accident.

The Coast Guard authorities had agreed to re-float, repair and return the trawler to the owner.

Fishermen’s plight

Considering the plight of the 15 fishermen families who are dependent on the trawler, Coast Guard has requested the State government to release a sum of Rs.3,000 a day as distress relief till restoration of trawler.

The district administration, police and the local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) were helpful in arriving at an amicable solution through discussions.

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