Fisherman drowns as boat capsizes in Karnataka

Mangalore, June 2 (UNI) A fisherman drowned when the boat in which he set sail capsized after it got caught in a gale at Kasbabengre, near sea mouth at Old Fort area here.

Sources said today the deceased was identified as Jagadish Sommaiah from Bhatkal.

Sommaiah and five others had ventured into the sea yesterday following New Mangalore Port officials asking fishermen to move their boats anchored at Port to the Old Port area in view of the likely arrival of ships.

When the fishermen were moving towards the Old Port area, strong winds blew across the sea, making it difficult for them to reach their destination. While all other boats managed to cross the sea mouth, one boat got caught in gale and capsized.

Under the impact, Somaiah and another fishermen were thrown out of the boat. While Somaiah drowned, the other fishermen were saved.

The body of Sommaiah was found near the mishap site this morning.

Meanwhile, though rain had abated in Dakshina district since yesterday, sea erosion at some parts of Ullal had become severe due to gusty winds.

State Fisheries Minister B Nagaraj Shetty, also incharge Minister of Dakshina Kannada district, today handed over compensation to residents of Ullal who had lost their houses due to sea erosion.

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