Fishermen who saved many lives now await help

The fishermen said many boats had developed holes and their propellers were also damaged —Photo Shaju John

When parts of the city were deluged and residents trapped in their houses, a massive rescue effort was undertaken.

Boats were brought in to steer these residents to safety. That’s how the fishermen of Kasimedu came into the picture.

Fiber motor boats

Sixteen fiber motor boats, owned by the Kasimedu fishermen, were reportedly used to rescue about 8,000 people. The fishermen claimed that Nanjil Ravi and his team of 45 fishermen operated these boats in parts of Mudichur, Tambaram (CIT colony) and Kundrathur for rescue work.

These fishermen are happy over being given an opportunity to rescue hapless citizens, but also say that their boats have been damaged, either partially or fully.

“Some of our boats, which were lifted by earthmovers to be placed in the lorries and taken to the affected parts, fell and were damaged. There are huge holes in the base of our boats. The propellers in our boats have also been damaged as random articles got stuck in them while we rowed in the flooded areas.” says Nanjil Ravi.

These fishermen from Kasimedu say they have requested the authorities concerned to help them repair their boats.

Fishermen swung into relief work at the request of government agencies.