*YSRCP MP Gurumoorthy seeks MEA help to trace missing fishermen*

New Delhi, Aug 24: YSRCP Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy has sought the urgent intervention of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to trace the fishing boat Sri Muthyalamma and ensure the safe return of seven fishermen from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, who have been missing since August 3.

In a letter to the Union Minister, Gurumoorthy requested immediate diplomatic coordination with the governments and maritime authorities of Myanmar, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as the boat may have drifted into international waters.

The fishing boat Sri Muthyalamma (IND-AP-E8-MO-135) left Odalarevu Fishing Landing Centre in Allavaram Mandal at around 9.30 am on August 3 for fishing operations. Since then, there has been no confirmed contact with the vessel or its crew.

The MP said that despite search operations by the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy and efforts through mobile and satellite-based tracking systems, the boat remains untraced.

Referring to the District Collector's statement that the vessel may have suffered engine failure and drifted into international waters, Gurumoorthy said diplomatic intervention was necessary to avoid any jurisdictional or communication delays.

He urged the External Affairs Ministry to take up the matter on priority and ensure that every possible effort is made to trace the seven fishermen and bring them home safely.