*MP Maddila Gurumoorthy seeks Centre’s intervention to intensify search for seven missing fishermen*

Tirupati, Aug 20: YSRCP MP Maddila Gurumoorthy has sought the urgent intervention of the Union Government to intensify the search and rescue operation for seven fishermen from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district who have been missing since August 3.

Gurumoorthy has written to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting them to treat the matter as a high-priority humanitarian operation and deploy all available resources to trace the fishermen.

The fishing boat left Odalarevu Fishing Landing Centre in Allavaram Mandal at around 9.30 am on August 3 with seven fishermen. The boat has not returned and there is no confirmed information about the fishermen despite search efforts by the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy.

Gurumoorthy said the situation has become more serious following the possibility that the boat suffered an engine failure and drifted into international waters. He requested that the search area be expanded based on sea currents, wind direction, weather conditions and other oceanographic factors.

He sought deployment of additional Coast Guard and Navy ships, aircraft, helicopters and long-range maritime surveillance assets. He also requested a comprehensive analysis of mobile phone, satellite, VMS/AIS, VHF and radio data to establish the vessel’s last known position and probable movement.

The MP also called for the use of satellite imagery and aerial reconnaissance.

Gurumoorthy said the families were going through immense distress and urged the Centre to ensure that no effort is spared to locate the seven fishermen and bring them home safely.