Eight Indian fishermen reported "missing"

Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Mar 18 (UNI) Eight Indian fishermen, who ventured into sea in two mechanised fishing boats were reported ''missing'' today.

Official sources said a group of fishermen hailing from this island town put out to sea from Rameswaram jetty yesterday in 638 mechanised fishing boats.

Except two, all other boats returned to the shore this morning causing anxious moments to the fisherfolk.

The Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department was alerted about the missing fishermen.

Meanwhile, a salvage team was pressed into service in a mechanised boat this afternoon to trace the missing fishermen after obtaining a search order from the authorities.

It was not known immediately, whether the fishermen were stranded somewhere in mid sea or arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.

UNI GSM VV SBC HT1857