Hans News Service Amaravati

Searchoperations for the seven Andhra Pradesh fishermen missing at sea continued on Friday, with the Indian Coast Guard deploying five ships, two Dornier aircraft and a helicopter to locate their boat.

Agriculture minister K Atchannaidu said the State government was maintaining constant coordination with the Coast Guard and Navy and would pursue every possible avenue to trace the fishermen and bring them back safely.

Atchannaidu said officials had spoken to Coast Guard Assistant Commanding Officer Ranjit Kumar to review the latest position. Coast Guard officials informed them that an extensive search was continuing at sea, though the missing boat had not yet been located.

Information about the vessel has been shared with Coast Guard authorities in Myanmar, Port Blair and coastal areas bordering Bangladesh, with instructions to remain alert for any sighting or information regarding the boat.

The minister said the search would continue without interruption. Coast Guard officials had also assured the State that the officer taking charge after August 24 would continue the operation until the fishermen were traced. He reassured the families that the government was closely monitoring the search and coordinating with all available agencies.

He appealed to the families to remain courageous and not lose hope, assuring them that the search would continue through every possible avenue until the missing boat and fishermen are located.