The body of a 42-year-old fisherman was recovered from the backwaters near Muthalapozhi fishing harbour on Tuesday. The victim reportedly suffered an epileptic seizure before falling overboard on Monday evening.

Key Takeaways

  • Body of 42-year-old fisherman Thomas (Praveen) recovered from Muthalapozhi backwaters.
  • The incident was triggered by a sudden epileptic seizure while returning in a country boat.
  • Fire and Rescue Services' scuba team conducted the recovery operation.
  • Occurs amidst ongoing searches for three other missing fishermen in Kerala.

Officials have confirmed the recovery of the body of a 42-year-old fisherman, identified as Thomas (Praveen), who had disappeared into the backwaters near the Muthalapozhi fishing harbour in Anchuthengu, Kerala. The recovery took place on Tuesday morning after an intensive search operation.

According to a coastal police officer, the incident occurred on Monday evening while Thomas was returning from a fishing trip in a country boat. It is reported that he suffered an epileptic seizure while seated in the vessel, causing him to slip and fall into the deep waters. A specialized scuba diving team from the Fire and Rescue Services was deployed immediately, though the search was briefly suspended overnight due to visibility issues.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows a worrying trend of maritime accidents along the Kerala coast. This specific incident highlights the vulnerability of traditional fishermen who operate without basic health screenings or emergency safety gear, turning a manageable medical condition into a fatal accident.

"The lack of a multi-agency integrated response mechanism for small-scale fishing mishaps often delays critical rescue windows in coastal regions."

This tragedy adds to the existing grief of the coastal community, as search operations continue for three other fishermen—Gautam Krishna, John, and Shijin—who went missing in separate mishaps off the Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram coasts on July 31. The search for them has now entered its 12th day, involving the Indian Navy and the Marine Enforcement Wing.

Did You Know?: The Muthalapozhi area is a critical point where the backwaters meet the Arabian Sea, creating complex currents that often complicate search and rescue missions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What caused the fisherman to fall into the water?
A: He reportedly suffered an epileptic seizure while in the boat, leading to his fall.

Q2: Who is involved in the ongoing searches for other missing fishermen?
A: The Indian Navy, Coastal Police, and Marine Enforcement Wing are actively searching for the other three missing individuals.