Urgent Call to Action: Address Fishers’ Flag Safety Gaps for a Safer Tomorrow with Rapid-Response Rescue Services!

An action committee made up of fishermen and fishing boat owners in Kozhikode urgently called for the Fisheries department to establish a rapid-response disaster unit. This crucial need comes in light of a significant disruption to the marine ambulance service at Beypore fishing harbor, which is vital for emergency sea rescues.

The committee leaders, who previously organized a protest outside the Fisheries department office in Beypore, have voiced their concerns over the Karunya marine ambulance. Launched in January 2021 at a cost exceeding ₹6 crore, the ambulance was designed to coordinate timely sea rescue operations. However, it has been rendered inoperative due to fitness issues, leaving many fishermen without immediate support during emergencies.

“The lack of a functioning marine ambulance poses serious risks to our safety at sea,” said one committee leader. “We need the Fisheries department to take swift action and establish a reliable disaster response unit.” Without an alternative to the disabled marine ambulance, the committee argues that fishermen’s safety remains severely compromised.

The call for intervention raises broader concerns about systemic issues in the region’s fishing infrastructure. Fishermen rely heavily on rapid rescue operations, particularly given the often unpredictable conditions at sea. The absence of a quick-response unit could have dire consequences in life-threatening situations.

In response to these valid concerns, the action committee has urged the state government to prioritize the establishment of a robust disaster response mechanism. They emphasize that the safety of fishermen should not be an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of marine operations.

As the situation continues to evolve, the committee remains steadfast in their commitment to ensuring that such vital services are restored, safeguarding the livelihoods and lives of those who rely on the sea. The call to action highlights a pressing need for government accountability and proactive measures to address emergencies in the fishing community.

With the preservation of fishermen’s safety at stake, stakeholders can only hope that the Fisheries department will heed this urgent plea and expedite the necessary changes to improve marine rescue services in Kozhikode. As the situation unfolds, local communities remain anxious about when they can expect a functional and responsive marine ambulance service to safeguard their lives and livelihoods.

This ongoing issue underscores the significance of reliable marine services and the need for an immediate, effective response from the authorities.

Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/fishers-flag-safety-gaps-call-for-quick-response-rescue-service/article70897309.ece
Category : Kerala
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Publish Date: 2026-04-24 02:07:00