Muthalapozhi turns death trap; two more fishermen drown

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two fisherman died, while three miraculously escaped after their boat capsized at Muthalapozhi on Monday evening. The fishermen on board Carmala Matha boat, which is owned by an Anchuthengu native, met with the tragedy when the vessel was returning to the harbour after the days catch. The deceased have been identified as Michael, 68, and Joseph, 43. Three other fishers, who were on the boat, were rescued by other boatmen. The Anchuthengu coastal police said the incident occurred by 6.45 pm. The boat capsized as it tried to cross over from the sea to the backwater through the harbour mouth. The local fishermen said the boat turned turtle after encountering strong waves. The fishermen said the sand accumulated at the harbour mouth was the reason for the mishap. They said the sand dredging from the harbour mouth has been suspended and the fishermen have been venturing into the sea placing their lives on the line. According to Valerian Isaac, leader of Kerala Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation, the casualty of fishermen at Muthalapozhi has risen to 79. The fishermen community has been criticising the unscientific construction and development of the harbour as the main reason for the surge in fatalities. Located at the meeting point of the Vamanapuram river and the Arabian Sea, Muthalapozhi is a hub for large-scale fishing activities. As many as 160 large fishing vessels and about 400 small ones operate out of here, offering livelihood to 20,000 people. Local residents allege that unscientific breakwater construction has turned the harbour mouth into a death trap for fishermen. Valerian said accidents have become a daily affair in the harbour mouth and only those incidents, where fatalities occur, grab attention. The authorities take some small steps after deaths occur. Thats done to placate the fishermen, who are seething with anger. No meaningful action has been taken and thats why more people are dying here he said.