100 mechanised boats damaged, rooftops blown away

Rameswaram (TN), April 22: About 100 mechanised boats anchored along the coast here were damaged and rooftops of many houses blown away in 80 km strong winds and heavy rain that lashed the town.

Assistant Director of Fisheries Training, Xavier told reporters after visiting the area last night that the boats had been smashed to pieces as they were tossed about by the wind and rough seas. "Each boat costs Rs 10 lakh and it will cost about Rs four lakh to repair them," he said.

The Fishermen Association President Yesurajan said it was a double blow for them on eve of Easter as they were still mourning the death of four fishermen, allegedly killed by Sri Lankan naval personnel and whose bodies were found recently.

PTI