Hans News Service Visakhapatnam

Formerchief minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy spoke to fisherman Kari Chinna, the lone survivor among the seven fishermen whose boat capsized in the sea, over phone and assured him that the YSRCP would stand by him and extend all possible support.

Chinna, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Visakhapatnam, explained the tragic incident to Jagan in detail, recalling the horrifying night at sea, how the fishermen struggled after the accident, how he managed to swim such a long distance and was finally rescued.

Seven fishermen who had gone into the sea for fishing were returning when their boat capsized.

Of the seven fishermen, six went missing, but Chinna survived.

Chinna told YS Jagan that the boat had been purchased by taking loans and that the family had now lost everything.

He requested support, stating that the boat, worth nearly Rs.50 lakh, had sunk, and he had received no assistance despite surviving the accident and being hospitalised.

Offering comfort to Chinna, Jagan said he would visit Visakhapatnam if required.

Jagan criticised the government for failing to provide compensation for the lost boat, pointing out that when fishermen lose their boat, they also lose their livelihood.

He said the YSRCP would pressure the government to provide support and ensure justice is meted out to the affected families.

Meanwhile, the government provided compensation of Rs.10 lakh to each of the six missing fishermen’s families.

However, the YSRCP leaders claimed that Chinna, who survived the tragedy and is undergoing treatment, was ignored.

Former Visakhapatnam South MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, YSRCP Visakhapatnam district president KK Raju, party Bheemunipatnam coordinator Majji Srinivasa Rao, Gajuwaka coordinator Tippala Devan Reddy, Visakhapatnam east constituency M Appa Rao, among others, raised concerns over Chinna’s condition and assured him that they would continue to fight until justice is meted out.