South Asian Fishermen Federation (SAFF) has demanded the government to arrest the crew members of a container ship which was responsible for the sinking of a mechanised fishing boat 65 nautical miles off Cochin Fishing Harbour around 2.45 a.m. on Sunday.
The seven fishermen – five from Kanniyakumari district and two from Ramanathapuram district – who were in the fishing boat sustained injuries, and were rescued by the fishermen in another boat that ventured into the sea from Kanniyakumari district.
In a petition submitted at the Collectorate here on Monday, Fr. Churchill, general secretary, SAFF, who was accompanied by the family members of the seven fishermen, also demanded compensation for the loss of the boat and for the injured fishermen.
The fishermen said the container ship was painted in red in the bottom and light pink on the top. Five of the fishermen sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Kochi Government Hospital by Kerala Marine Police, said Mr. Churchill.
The SAFF also faxed copies of the petition to Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Pon. Radhakrishnan, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Paneerselvam and officials concerned.
District secretary of Thomas Kochari Fishermen Union S. Selvaraj and Director of Coastal People Peace and Development Fr. M. Stephen also accompanied them.
