In Mallippattinam, a small fishing village on the coast, a recent unexpected squall wreaked havoc on the local fishing harbor. The sudden storm damaged over 10 mechanized boats, leaving one vessel submerged and many others in need of repair. This incident has reignited the longstanding plea from local fishermen for the construction of a groyne structure to shield their boats from such severe weather conditions.
On the fateful Friday, typically a day of rest for the fishermen, all boats were safely moored at the harbor when the weather took a turn for the worse. Strong winds swept through the area around 9 p.m., causing the anchored boats to collide and sustain significant structural damage. In a frantic effort to salvage their vessels, fishermen rushed to the harbor to prevent further losses as the winds howled until 11 p.m., leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Among the affected boats was one owned by a fisherman named Sarbudheen, which tragically ended up submerged in the turbulent waters.
Come morning, as the storm subsided, the damaged vessels were brought ashore for assessment and repairs. A crane was swiftly deployed to retrieve the sunken boat, a delicate and costly operation that highlighted the dire need for protective measures at the harbor. Thajudeen A., the general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, emphasized the vulnerability of the harbor without a groyne structure in place. He pointed out the repercussions of previous cyclones, particularly Cyclone Gaja, which decimated a significant portion of the fishing fleet due to the lack of adequate protection.
Adding to the chorus of demands for action, S. Habeeb Mohamed, president of the Mechanized Boat Owners’ Association, underscored the financial implications of the recent damage. With the sunken boat alone valued at ₹4 lakh and repair costs for other affected vessels estimated at an additional ₹5 lakh, the fishermen are facing substantial losses. Mohamed called for compensation from the government, citing past instances where fishermen received no relief for weather-related damages. He stressed the urgency of assistance, urging authorities to tap into the National Disaster Management Fund to alleviate the financial burden on the affected fishermen.
In response to the escalating situation, an official from the Fisheries department disclosed that a thorough on-site evaluation had been conducted, culminating in a comprehensive report submitted to the State government for review. The findings of this assessment are crucial in determining the necessary course of action to safeguard the livelihoods of the fishermen in Mallippattinam and prevent future disasters from ravaging the local fishing community.
As the fate of the fishing harbor hangs in the balance, the call for a groyne structure to shield the boats from nature’s fury grows louder. The resilience and determination of the fishermen in the face of adversity serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges they endure to sustain their way of life. The impact of this recent storm on Mallippattinam echoes across the coastline, underscoring the need for proactive measures to protect these vital maritime assets and the livelihoods they support.
