Bhatkal: Minister for Fisheries Pramod Madhwaraj visited Bhatkal on Tuesday to compensate the family of the deceased fisherman Manjunath Kharvi.

He presented a cheque of Rs five lakh and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family. Speaking to the journalists, he said: "Previously, the fisherman who dies while fishing was given a cheque of Rs two lakhs from the government but now, it has been increased to five lakhs."

It may be recalled that eight fishermen went fishing on a boat on 3rd August when their boar capsized in the middle of the sea. Seven fishermen swam for eight hours and reached another boat. The owner, Srinivas Kharvi came forward to help them. However, Manjunath Kharvi drowned in the sea and his body was found at Trasi beach.

On August 5,  Pramod Madhwaraj visited Bhatkal and had announced that the amount of compensation from the government has been increased from two lakhs to five lakhs.

Minister Pramod Madhwaraj also added that all the legal works were completed under 10 days and the cheque was given to the deceased's widow Sumitra Kharvi.

In the meantime, Srinivas Kharvi was felicitated with shawl for saving the seven fishermen. Mr. Madhwaraj, on the occasion, urged the fishermen to help each other in the times of need.

On the occasion, Vittal Naik, Vishnu Devadiga and other officials were present.