Mangaluru: District in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary, on Wednesday handed over the cheque of Rs six lakhs each to the kin of the fishermen, who lost their lives in the recent boat tragedy.
It may be recalled that a boat named “Sriraksha” had capsized on Monday. While 19 fishermen were rescued five fishermen were found dead till Wednesday. One fisherman is still missing.
The bodies of fishermen Chinthan (20), Mohammed Hassainar (28) and Gihaad (35), Preetham (28) and Panduranga Suvarna ( 58) were found.
After handing over the cheques to the family members of the victims, the Minister said that he will request the CM to release more money for the grieving family members of the victims.
“I will urge the CM to release Rs 4 more lakhs each to the families so that the ex-gratia amount reaches Rs 10 lakh each,” he said adding that he will also try his level best to extend other benefits to the kin of the victims.
While informing that he had ordered a probe into the boat tragedy, he said that wearing life jackets will be made compulsory for the fishermen while venturing into the sea for fishing.
When corporator of Bengre, Muneeb insisted that the administration should take steps to search for Ansar, the fisherman who is still missing, the Minister said that he will direct the DC to do the needful.
The DC said that a barge has been arranged to lift the capsized boat from the water and trace the missing fisherman.
“Divers and swimmers have been deployed to search for the missing fisherman,” he said.
BJP state unit president MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and MLA Mangaluru South Vedavyasa Kamath were present.
