Weather Betrays Fisherfolk, Leaving Them Disappointed; UDF Government Fails to Provide Assistance

Kollam: Unfavourable weather conditions forced fishermen to return to shore shortly after they ventured into the sea following the end of the trawling ban.

Fishermen who had set out enthusiastically from various harbours around midnight on Friday, after the ban was lifted, were forced to turn back midway. As heavy rain and strong winds intensified in Kollam district, workers aboard hundreds of fishing boats and traditional vessels took shelter at Thangassery harbour.

The return of the fishing vessels left the Neendakara and Sakthikulangara harbours deserted. No traders or auctioneers arrived at the harbours.

After remaining without work for 52 days due to the trawling ban, fishermen had ventured into the sea with high hopes on the day the restrictions were lifted. Many had pawned jewellery and taken loans from cooperative societies to repair and prepare their boats and fishing vessels.

However, as heavy rain and strong winds continued, the State Disaster Management Authority issued a warning advising fishermen not to venture into the sea. The workers were consequently forced to return to shore, pushing fishermen and those employed in allied sectors into a fresh crisis.

The government’s failure to provide assistance, including ration supplies and the monthly relief allowance, had further worsened their difficulties as they struggled to cope with the impact of climate change and the trawling ban.