Missing fishermen safe in AP: Govt confirms

Chennai, Nov 16 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Government today said fishermen from Kasimedu in the city, who had ventured into the sea in 120 mechanised boats and were reported missing, were safe in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

The government's clarification cames in the wake of media reports that the whereabouts of 600 fishermen, who had set sail in 90 boats, were not known as they were caught in high tides following cyclonic storm 'SIDR' in the Bay of Bengal and were yet to return to the shore.

An official release here said one group of fishermen in 50 boats were safe in Nizampattinam river-bed and a group in 70 boats were safe in Krishnampatnam river-bed in Andhra Pradesh.

It said since the sea was rough and tides rose to a height of three feet yesterday due to cyclonic development, fishermen were advised against venturing into the sea.

However, some of them had set sail and could not enter the fishing harbour in North Chennai while returning. Special permission was sought from the Chennai Port for their entry into the Chennai Harbour. The boats were anchored at the Port, the release added.

UNI