Chennai: Kasimedu fishermen have sought the Union govt’s intervention to recover eight boats seized by Andhra Pradesh coastal authorities. They said the state govt had failed to resolve the issue.Andhra Pradesh authorities impounded seven mechanised trawlers belonging to Chennai fishers off the Nellore coast after the fishing ban ended on Jun 14. The AP Coastal Task Force and fishers seized another boat the following month. Fishermen say the boats are worth a total of ₹6 crore.Despite repeated requests, the issue remains unresolved, they said. “From fish catchers to sellers and boat mechanics, each trawler supports at least 20 families. More than 100 days have passed. TN govt has not found any solution. This is not even a case of fishing in another country’s waters. We all belong to the same country. Our livelihoods are at stake,” said B Raj, a fisher whose boat was seized.Fisheries department officials met Andhra Pradesh authorities in mid-Sept, but no progress had been made since, they said. “The fisheries minister has also not been accessible since Sept. Thousands of fisherfolk will stay off the waters indefinitely if this is not resolved,” said M K Vijesh, president of Kasimedu Visaipagadu Urimayalargal Sangam.
