Kochi, 07 March(HS): A fisherman lost his life after a fishing boat capsized in the early hours of Saturday off the coast of Puthuvype near Kochi, while five other crew members were rescued in a swift operation carried out by fellow fishermen and coastal authorities.

The deceased has been identified as Ranjan, a resident of Neerkunnam. According to officials of the Coastal Police, the accident occurred around 5 a.m. on Saturday when the fishing boat named “St. Xavier” overturned while the crew was engaged in fishing activities in the sea off Puthuvype.

Initial reports indicate that six fishermen were on board the vessel when the incident took place. Soon after the boat capsized, an emergency rescue effort was launched. Local fishermen who were nearby, along with authorities, rushed to the spot and managed to bring all six crew members safely to the shore.

However, Ranjan had suffered severe distress after being trapped in the water for several minutes. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital after being rescued. Despite the efforts of doctors, he could not be revived and was declared dead shortly after arrival.

The remaining five fishermen were rescued in time and are reported to be safe, though some of them are believed to have suffered minor injuries and shock following the accident.

Coastal Police officials said that the cause of the accident is not yet clear. Weather conditions and sea currents at the time of the incident are being examined as part of the preliminary investigation. Authorities will also record detailed statements from the fishermen who survived the mishap to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the boat capsizing.

Meanwhile, efforts have begun to locate and recover the sunken fishing vessel, which remains submerged in the sea. Officials said that recovery operations will be carried out with the assistance of local fishermen and marine authorities.

The tragic incident has cast a pall of grief over the fishing community in the region, particularly in Neerkunnam, where Ranjan was well known among fellow fishermen. Local residents and community members expressed shock and sorrow over the sudden loss of life during routine fishing activity.

Authorities have assured that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman