*Intensify search for missing fishermen: YS Jagan*

Tadepalli, Aug 18: Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed concern over the disappearance of a fishing boat carrying eight fishermen from Odalarevu, Dummalapeta and Vasalatippa villages of Allavaram mandal in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district. He urged the government to intensify search operations and use all available resources to bring the fishermen back safely.

YS Jagan said the families of the fishermen are deeply worried as there has been no information from them for several days. He urged the government to conduct search operations on a war footing to trace the missing fishermen and their boat.

He asked the government to involve the Coast Guard, Navy, Fisheries Department and district administration in the search operation. He said all available technology and communication systems at sea should be used to expand the search.

YS Jagan also called for the cooperation of fishing boats and other vessels operating along the coast, including in the areas of Kakinada, Visakhapatnam and Paradip. He said continuous efforts should be made until the missing boat and fishermen are traced.

He said he is praying for the safe return of all eight fishermen. He appealed to all departments to work in coordination and ensure that there is no slackening of search operations until their whereabouts are known. He also urged the government to stand by the families of the missing fishermen during this difficult time.