Rescue opearation is on war footing: TN Govt

Chennai, Nov 5 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Government today denied media reports that the rescue operations for the missing fishermen were ''tardy.'' According to a press release, prompt and immediate steps were taken by the government to ensure that rescue operations were on a war-footing.

According to reports, five fishermen from Chennai and four from Nagapatinam were missing along with three FRP country boats.

Upon receipt of information about the missing, the Department of Fisheries had immediately alerted the Indian Coast Guard (Eastern Region) to arrange for arial and sea search. This was monitored daily by the officials, it added.

Minister for Fisheries had visited Royapuram Fishing Harbour and met the affected families.

Safety Net Message was also activated continuously by the Coast Guard from the time of receipt of rescue demand. This message is for alerting Merchant Ships transiting in the area and to spot the drifting boat.

The Coast Guard Dornier was put into service on the request of the government. The Coast Guard ship Kittur Chennamina was also deployed for sea-air coordination search.

In Nagapattinam, the Joint Director of Fisheries (Regional) and Assistant Director of Fisheries (Marine) had been monitoring the rescue operations under the guidance of District Collector.

To further intensify the search, the govenment had taken steps to avail the vessels owned by the Centre. The Director General, Fishery Survey of India, had agreed to deploy survey vessels immediately, the release added.

UNI JJ SI RN2315