One fisherman drowns as boat capsizes

Mangalore, Karnataka, June 2 (UNI) One fisherman drowned when the boat in which he set sail, with five others from the New Mangalore Port area, capsized after it got caught in gale at Kasbabengre, near sea mouth at Old Fort area.

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

Sommaiah and five other fishermen had ventured into the sea yesterday following the Port officials asking fishermen to move their boats anchored at the New Mangalore Port area to the Old Port area in view of 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 met with a watery grave, the other fisherman was saved. The four other fishermen in the boat had stayed afloat hanging on to the boat.

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.

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.

Kundapura recorded the highest rainfall of nine cm in the last 24 hours ending 0800 hrs this morning, followed by Udupi eight cm and Karkala five cm.

UNI MA RG RKN1411