An Appeal:

This is about the unexpected tragedy of deep sea fishermen of Kanyakumari District, India. The cyclone-Phyan at Goa and Maharashtra coast on 10-11-2009 caused unimaginable damage to their lives and properties. As a result 8 fishermen died at the mid-sea and their bodies are not recovered yet. Several boats were capsized with the crew members, fishing equipments, their catch etc. Among them 8 boats could not be recovered. Three (3) fishermen were recovered by the fishermen of Goa after having struggled for 13 hours in the turbulent sea.

The 3 survivors, Alvaris, Sajan and Hipson, escaped by breaking the glass of the wheelhouse of the boat. They were severely hurt and were brought to the hospital. Alvaris, suffered from deep wounds due to struggle for survival. Sajan endured shoulder and chest pain while Hipson, leg injury. They said that there was no cyclone warning announced so they went on to their usual destination.

These boats are traditional long liners from Thoothoor area of Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu that go on voyages for 20 to 30 days along the Indian coast. They are the only artisanal fishermen from India doing eco-friendly fishing in the deep seas rich with unexploited marine potentials.

This tragedy has left a large number of fishermen, crew members, their families and dependents jobless and struggling for their subsistence. Many people have come forward to convey condolences but did not do anything to help alleviate the condition of the victims.

SIFFS and ADSGAF understood and felt the situation and have jointly come forward to extend the much needed help of the hour. The members of the organizations have lent a helping hand as a token of shouldering the burden of the affected people.

The work doesn’t stop there. Still, many people need support for their daily sustenance as they strive to go back to their normal lives. ADSGAF therefore is seeking the help of kind-hearted individuals and organizations to reach out and provide assistance to the finest deep sea fishers.

Your contributions may be sent to:

The Association of Deep Sea going Artisanal Fishermen
College Road, Thoothoor P.O, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India
e-mail: deepsea_admn@yahoo.co.in, Phone: +91 4651 240617

Our bank details:
Account Number	: 057100050302442
Name of Account Holder	: Association of Deep Sea Going Artisanal Fishermen
Bank	: Tamilnadu Mercantile Bank Ltd, Kanjampuram
IFS / SWIFT Code	: TMBL0000057