more-inNAGERCOILOfficials and fishermen’s representatives, who were hitherto presenting contrasting figures on the number of fishermen missing or feared dead after Cyclone Ockhi, have almost come to an agreement. In other words, the total number of fishermen feared dead is 245, as eight have already been declared dead. After eight fishermen were declared dead based on the identification of bodies that were washed ashore, six more were identified by conducting DNA test. Meanwhile, families of missing fishermen want the government to declare their breadwinners ‘dead’ if they fail to return by December 31. “Extensive searches to locate the missing fishermen have been conducted in places our fishermen usually go for fishing, but in vain.

Source: The Hindu December 27, 2017 16:07 UTC