John Mathias’ family takes exception to remarks on missing fishermen, demands overhaul of rescue system during Kerala Ministers’ visit

The family of John Mathias, a fisherman from Pulluvila, Thiruvananthapuram, who has been missing for 11 days, on Monday (August 10, 2026) expressed its distress over reported remarks made by Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and other Ministers concerning fishermen who venture into the sea.

Such comments were deeply hurtful to the community that has little choice but to depend on the sea for its livelihood, Mr. Mathias’ children told Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Fisheries Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor when they visited the family on Monday.

The family also clarified that its demands for better safety arrangements, faster rescue operations and improved weather warnings were “not politically motivated”, but were being raised out of the anguish and uncertainty it has endured since Mr. Mathias went missing.

Mr. Mathias’ daugther Jiji John said the fishing community had the right to approach the government with its concerns. Raising demands for better safety arrangements should not be interpreted as political opposition or as an attempt to blame the government, she said.

A major demand from the family was for a localised weather forecasting system that could provide fishermen with accurate information about conditions in specific areas where they operate.

Expressing optimism that his father would return, Mr. Mathias’ son Nebin Nelson said fishermen often receive general weather warnings that do not accurately correspond to conditions at their actual fishing locations.

Besides, inconsistencies could create a loss of confidence in official warnings. If fishermen are repeatedly told that strong winds are expected but do not encounter those conditions, they may become less inclined to take future warnings seriously, he pointed out.

Calls for better emergency infrastructure

The family also called for stronger emergency infrastructure, including marine and air ambulances and a round-the-clock mechanism capable of responding immediately to incidents at sea. A response system that could operate throughout the night was particularly important because emergencies do not necessarily occur during normal office hours.

They also called for measures to provide experienced fishermen a greater role in search and rescue operations.

Ms. Jiji said fishermen were regularly called upon to assist the district authorities during floods and other disasters because of their knowledge of water bodies and their ability to respond quickly. The community’s knowledge of the sea should be treated as an important resource during maritime emergencies.

Govt to examine demands: Minister

While pointing out that developing a localised weather forecasting system was a challenge, the Fisheries Minister said the government would examine the demand and word towards addressing the issue.

Mr. Gafoor also stressed the importance of establishing a reliable two-way communication system between fishermen and government agencies. Such a system would allow authorities to communicate updated warnings when sea conditions change after fishermen have already ventured into the water.

Besides, the Fisheries Department was preparing a standard operating procedure (SOP) for dealing with fishermen who go missing, particularly during the crucial initial period referred to as the “golden hour”. A definite SOP would be prepared within two weeks, he added.

Talks with Centre needed: Chennithala

Mr. Chennithala said some of the existing issues along the coastal belt would require discussions with the Central government. He also raised concerns over the existing marine ambulance arrangements in the state.

According to the Home Minister, two marine ambulances had been purchased at a cost of around ₹18 crore using funds from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. He said the vessels have remained unused for several months and that the government had already recognised the need to address their operational and maintenance issues.

He added that the Coastal Police were already working with local fishermen in search operations, but acknowledged that there were protocols and restrictions during operations involving the Coast Guard.

Ministers visit Shijin’s house

The Ministers later visited the house of Muthalapozhi native Shijin and took stock of the ongoing multi-agency search operation at Muthalapozhi.

The Fisheries Minister said the dredging work at Muthalapozhi will begin soon after obtaining necessary sanction.

“The issue had already been reviewed during my previous visit to the area. A team from the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) also visited Muthalapozhi in July to conduct a technical assessment. Based on the report of the CWPRS team, we decided that further action would be taken. We will also take into consideration the local knowledge and inputs before proceeding with the work,” Mr. Gafoor said.