Hundreds of mechanised and country boats have been anchored at Pamban and Rameswaram fishing harbours, in view of cyclone warning.
Though there was no rain due to cyclonic effect in the district except a few areas, the sea was rough through Sunday. High wind velocity was reported along the coast off Rameswaram, forcing fishermen to remain indoors.
Most of the boats which have bases at Rameswaram, Pamban, Mandapam, Thangatchimadam, Keelakarai, Periapattinam, Thondi, Erwadi, Valinokkam and others remained idle for the last four days, as the sea condition was not suitable for fishing. Moreover, the Fisheries Department had stopped issuing mandatory tokens to the mechanised fishermen for fishing.
It has advised them not to take risk in view of Jal, the cyclonic storm that was expected to cross anytime between Chennai and Puducherry on Sunday.
The port authorities at Pamban continue to maintain third-stage cyclone signal for the second day on Sunday.
G. Mari Selvam, Port Conservator, said that according to the latest information, the cyclonic storm was centred around 250 km east southeast of Chennai. Rough sea was witnessed at Pamban.
The waves were abnormally high. High tides might occur when the cyclone crossed the shore.
Though it is expected that there will not be any major damage to property along the Ramanathathapuram coast, the district administration has alerted all officials concerned to be on the vigil.
Collector T.N. Hariharan said the Fisheries Department had been instructed not to allow fishermen to go fishing. The Revenue, Fire Service and Rescue personnel, Public Works Department and others were alerted.
Boats stay anchored at Tuticorin
Fishing boats did not venture into the sea for the second consecutive day here on Sunday following the warning issued in the wake of cyclonic threat. As many as 227 mechanised boats had been anchored at the shore of the fishing harbour.
C. Parthiban, a fisherman, said that normally on all Sundays they would not engage with fishing operations, as they had to offer prayers.
S.J. Gayes, president, Country Boat and Catamaran Fishermen of Tuticorin, said that the majority of fishermen hailing from 22 coastal villages in the district also refrain from fishing every Friday at the first week of a month and devote their time at the church. Apart from mechanised fishing boats, 1,700 country boats were being used by the fishermen.
