Bhatkal: Minister of Fisheries, Sports and Youth Affairs, Pramod Madhwaraj has announced an increase in the compensation to the kins of the deceased fisherman who dies while fishing.

The announcement came soon after he visited the seven fishermen, admitted at the  Bhatkal government hospital, who swam for nine hours straight after their boat capsized in the sea. He praised the fisherman for their valor in swimming for such a longer duration. A fisherman's life is full of struggles, he said. 

Speaking to the reporters, he declared that the compensation have been hiked to Rs 5 lakh each as a solatium to the families of fishermen who loses their life while fishing.

He also expressed his condolences to the family of Manjunath Kharvi who had drowned and his body has not been found yet.

When asked whether the compensation will be given after seven years if the body is not found, he responded saying that it is the order of the Supreme court, the compensation will be given only if the body is found.