A merchant vessel collided with a fishing boat off the coast of Kannamaly on Wednesday evening, causing damage to the vessel and fishing gear.

The fishing vessel, Prathyasha, was reportedly hauling in its catch about 7.5 nautical miles off the Kannamaly coast around 5 pm when the merchant ship MSC Silver 2 came close and struck its rear side.

The crew of the fishing vessel, about 45 members, said they sent a wireless signal to warn an approaching ship, but it was ignored. The merchant ship changed course only after other fishing boats raised the alarm.

They described a narrow escape, with some fishermen jumping into the water to avoid injury. No one was hurt, but the collision destroyed fishing nets and damaged the vessel.

Video Credits: The New Indian Express – Kerala/YouTube

The crew estimated the value of the lost catch, primarily mackerel, at around ₹10 lakh, with additional costs of around ₹5 lakh for repairing the net and vessel. They said the incident would disrupt their fishing activities for some time and affect their livelihoods.

Jackson Pollayil, president of the Kerala Independent Fishermen’s Federation, expressed concern over repeated incidents involving merchant vessels near fishing areas. He alleged that ships entering Vizhinjam Port frequently change course in violation of shipping channel rules, putting fishing boats at risk.

Pollayil urged port authorities, the Union Ministry of Shipping, and coastal police to take action, warning that continued incidents could lead to fishermen blocking ships entering the port.

Video Credits: Onmanorama/YouTube

Charles George, state president of Kerala Matsya Thozhilali Aikyavedi (TUCI), said collisions between merchant ships and fishing vessels were becoming more frequent. He pointed out that since the 2012 Enrica Lexie incident, there have been eight accidents along Kerala’s coast, resulting in the deaths of 15 fishermen.

George said many merchant ships ignore the International Maritime Organization’s code of conduct and noted that proposals to shift shipping lanes 50 nautical miles west had not been accepted. George called for legal action against the ship’s captain and proper compensation for the fishermen.

The Coastal Police in Fort Kochi confirmed receiving a complaint from the boat’s owners and said an investigation is underway. A police source said a formal case would be filed after verification.

References: newindianexpress, TOI

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