Stating that the government would extend full support to the families of the fishermen who went missing in the recent sea mishap, Fisheries Commissioner Ram Shankar Naik said immediate financial assistance and rehabilitation measures would be initiated in accordance with government norms after the stipulated 72-hour search period ends.Mr. Naik met survivor Chinna on Tuesday and interacted with him to understand the sequence of events leading to the tragedy.He later visited the Mechanised Boat Owners’ Association office at the Fishing Harbour, where he consoled the family members of the missing fishermen. He said the search operation would continue until all the missing fishermen were traced. Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister, he said, he had arrived in Visakhapatnam to monitor the rescue efforts and review the situation.The Commissioner also held meetings with the District Collector, senior police officials, Coast Guard personnel, Fisheries Department officials, boat owners and representatives of fishermen’s associations to assess the ongoing rescue operations.Emphasising that the government’s response would extend beyond immediate relief, Mr. Naik said special attention would be paid to the long-term rehabilitation and livelihood of the affected families. He said the Fisheries Department was examining the possibility of extending assistance for the fishing boat lost in the accident under existing government schemes.He said discussions would be held with representatives of the fishermen’s cooperative society, after which a report recommending measures for sustainable livelihood support would be submitted to the government.Mr. Naik also appealed to fishermen to strictly follow safety protocols while venturing into the sea. He urged them not to set out without monitoring weather conditions and stressed that safety should always be the top priority. Published - July 07, 2026 06:50 pm IST