A rescue operation has been launched to trace nine fishermen who are missing after their fishing boat collided with a ship about 24 nautical miles off the coast of Munambam, near Kochi, on Tuesday around 3.30 a.m.
Two fishermen were rescued after the accident and they have been admitted to the Government General Hospital in Ernakulam.
Three others, Yuganathan, Manikodi and Yakoob from Colachel and Ramanthurai in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, died in the collision and their bodies have been recovered.
The ship that was involved in the collision is in the process of being identified.
Out of the 14 men aboard, 11 were from Tamil Nadu, two from West Bengal and one from Kerala. The boat was operating from the Munambam harbour.
The Navy has diverted a Sea King helicopter, which was already in air to proceed to the area for search and rescue of survivors. One Dornier aircraft has also been launched for searching the entire area. Besides, another Dornier aircraft is being deployed to investigate the merchant ships that were in the area at the time of the collision.
''INS Jamuna'', a hydrographic survey ship of the Navy is also proceeding to the area for search and rescue of the missing persons. One Advanced Light Helicopter is on standby for deployment if the situation warrants.
The Indian Coast Guard has also diverted an interceptor boat and a ship to the area in addition to a helicopter. The DG shipping has also been informed as it would be the nodal agency to take action against the merchant vessel. Is is suspected that it is a vessel with an Indian registration, though further investigation would be required for a confirmation.
