Thiruvananthapuram, 02 August (H.S.)

The body of one of the two fishermen who went missing after their boat capsized near the Muthalapozhi estuary has been recovered from the Kannamthura coast, around 20 km from the accident site.

The deceased has been identified as Freemon, a native of Anchuthengu. His body was spotted at Kannamthura following search operations launched after the fishing boat overturned at the Muthalapozhi harbour mouth on Friday night.

After completing the inquest proceedings, the body was shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram for post-mortem examination and other formalities.

Meanwhile, search operations are continuing for Shijin, the other fisherman who remains missing following the accident. Coastal police, fishermen and other rescue personnel are involved in the efforts to trace him.

Five fishermen were on board the boat when it capsized near the Muthalapozhi estuary on Friday night. Three of them managed to swim to safety, while Freemon and Shijin went missing in the rough waters.

The three survivors were subsequently picked up and brought ashore in boats operated by the Coastal Police and local fishermen. Following information that two members of the crew were unaccounted for, an extensive search was launched in the coastal waters.

The recovery of Freemon's body nearly 20 km away from the site of the accident has prompted search teams to widen their operations along the coastline as efforts continue to locate Shijin.

Muthalapozhi, where the backwaters meet the Arabian Sea, is a major fishing harbour area in Thiruvananthapuram district. The harbour mouth has witnessed several fishing boat accidents over the years, particularly during periods of rough sea conditions and strong currents.

Authorities and local fishermen are continuing the search for Shijin, with operations focusing on the sea as well as stretches of the Thiruvananthapuram coastline.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman