Bhatkal: Karnataka Minister for Fisheries, Ports & Inland Water Transport and Uttara Kannada district in-charge minister Mankal Vaidya visited the homes of fishermen who died or went missing in the July 30 boat tragedy off the Alvekodi port in Bhatkal taluk, and handed over compensation cheques to their families.

The incident occurred on July 30, when a gill-net fishing boat capsized after being hit by strong waves. Of the six fishermen on board, two were rescued by local fishermen, while four were swept away. Bodies of two of the missing men were later recovered, but the search for the remaining two continues.

Minister Vaidya visited the homes of the deceased fishermen — Ramakrishna Moger of Jali and Ganesh Moger of Alvekodi — and the missing fishermen — Satish Moger of Sanabavi and Nishchith Moger of Murdeshwar. Cheques of ₹10 lakh each from the Fishermen Distress Relief Fund were handed over to the families of the deceased. Families of the missing fishermen also received ₹10 lakh each, issued on the condition of an indemnity bond.

Additionally, ₹4.5 lakh was given to Manohar Moger, owner of the damaged boat. The relief was distributed in the presence of fisheries department officials, local fishing leaders, and party workers.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Vaidya said that no previous government had provided such compensation to families of missing fishermen. He noted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the current administration had extended relief from the Fishermen Distress Relief Fund to the kin of missing fishermen as well. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stand by the fishing community and safeguard their livelihoods.