Andhra government grants ₹60 lakh relief to families of fishermen missing off Visakhapatnam coast

Andhra Pradesh government has given ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh each to the families of the six fishermen missing at sea, a total of ₹60 lakh. The cheques were distributed by Minister for Excise and Mines Kollu Ravindra, in the presence of elected representatives and fishermen’s leaders, at the Mechanised Boat Operators’ Association building here on Wednesday (July 8, 2026).

The cheques were handed over to family members, including Ragutula Lakshmi, K. Mounika, K. Narayanamma, A. Lakshmi and K. Damayanthi.

Addressing the families, Mr. Ravindra said the government had acted immediately on receiving information about the missing fishermen, coordinating search and rescue with the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy. With the search crossing the 72-hour mark without yielding any trace, the government decided to give the financial aid on the instructions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The amount comprises ₹5 lakh from the Fisheries Department and ₹5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the fishing community. “We are committed to providing all necessary support to the families of survivors and those who lost their livelihoods due to boat sinkings,” he said.

Support measures

The Minister further announced plans to resolve pending disbursements for the fishing ban period allowance, saying ₹9 crore would be released shortly to ensure 100% coverage for eligible beneficiaries. He said the government had taken measures including lowering the pension eligibility age for fishermen and providing diesel subsidies for fishing boats.

“We are ready to provide subsidies for nets and boats to empower our fishermen,” the Minister said, adding that despite the disbursement of compensation, search efforts for the missing individuals would continue.

Several officials and public representatives, including NTR Vaidya Seva Chairman Seethamraju Sudhakar and Marketing Federation Chairman K. Bangarraju, were present at the event.