Berhampur: Around 50 deep-sea fishing trawlers belonging to the fishermen of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh which were sheltered at Gopalpur port following cyclonic storm Titli were released Tuesday.
The trawlers were in Gopalpur since October 10.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Coast Guard and various state government agencies had issued repeated advisories and cautionary notices for fishermen not to venture into the sea. Moreover, fishermen at sea were asked to return to their respective bases.
Despite this, several trawlers in violation of the direction of the administration were undertaking fishing activities till the advent of the cyclonic storm risking their lives.
Soon after the cyclonic storm hit Gopalpur coast on the morning of October 11, fishermen onboard 50 trawlers who ventured into the sea. With no option left, the fishermen entered the Gopalpur port harbour facing rough sea condition ahead of ‘Titli’.
Gopalpur port officials, as a humanitarian gesture, provided shelter to the fishing vessels and rescued the crew members of the boats in association with the district administration, ODRF & Indian Coast Guard.
Gopalpur became the hub of district administration and port authorities for rescue operations that continued through the night of October 10 till the wee hours of October 11.
The port authorities, under the guidance from district administration, ODRAF and Indian Coast Guard helped the fishermen and provided them with shelter and food. Later, they were released and directed to go back to their place, sources said.
PNN
