Kolkata (PTI): A fishing trawler with about 30 on board was missing in the choppy sea since it left Kakdwip in South 24-Parganas district on Tuesday morning.

"We have heard about the missing trawler and have asked the coastguard to search for it," State Fisheries Minister Kironmoy Nanda, told PTI here.

He hoped the fishermen have taken safe shelter in any creek or island during the stormy weather.

The coastguard, he said, had assured him of starting a search operation as soon as the weather condition improved.

The sea was rough due to the formation of a depression in the Bay and the weatherman had already warned fishermen against venturing into the sea.