Boat runs aground, fishermen escape

Puducherry, Aug 8 (UNI) Four fishermen escaped unhurt after their mechanised boat ran aground in shallow waters at the sea-mouth early this morning.

According to police, the fishermen had ventured into the sea on August six. The mishap occured when the boat reached the sea-mouth to enter the new port, police added.

They jumped off the boat and swam to safety. However, they lost the catch, worth about Rs one lakh.

Fishermen from the nearby villages came for their help and towed the boat to the new port.

Speaking to newspersons, Veerampatinam Village Panchayat President Mahalingam alleged that the government failed to take up dredging works at the sea-mouth leading to sand accumulation. He said this had made passage of the vessels difficult, leading to mishaps.

He said the authorities at the Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department here were reluctant to implement government orders to take up dredging works.

UNI