Kerala Fishermen Deaths and Missing Cases: 469 Dead, 160 Missing in 11 Years

Kerala Fishermen Deaths and Missing Cases Highlight Ongoing Safety Concerns

Kerala Fishermen Deaths and Missing Cases have once again come into focus after the state government revealed that 469 fishermen lost their lives and 160 others went missing off the Kerala coast over the last 11 years. The figures were released by the office of Fisheries Minister V. E. Abdul Gafoor on Friday, coinciding with protests by members of the coastal community over the recent disappearance of two fishermen.

The data covers the period from 2015-16 to 2025-26 and highlights the scale of rescue operations carried out by the state while also underscoring the risks faced by fishing communities.

Thousands of Patrols and Rescue Missions Conducted

According to the figures released by the minister's office, authorities conducted 23,000 patrolling operations and 5,072 sea rescue missions under the Kerala Marine Fisheries Regulation (KMFR) enforcement during the 11-year period.

These operations resulted in the rescue of 47,773 fishermen, reflecting the extensive efforts made to respond to emergencies at sea.

2017-18 Recorded the Highest Number of Deaths

The data shows that 2017-18 recorded the highest number of fishermen deaths, with 79 fatalities.

The yearly figures also indicate:

• 79 deaths in 2017-18
• 55 deaths in 2025-26
• 54 deaths in 2023-24

The highest number of missing fishermen in a single year was also reported in 2017-18, when 29 fishermen were reported missing.

Additionally:

• 26 fishermen went missing in 2016-17.
• 26 fishermen were reported missing in 2021-22.

Latest Figures for 2025-26

For 2025-26, the Fisheries Department reported:

• 2,107 patrolling operations
• 560 sea rescue missions
• 6,556 fishermen rescued
• 55 fishermen died
• Three fishermen reported missing

The figures indicate that rescue operations continue on a large scale despite persistent challenges along Kerala's coastline.

Protests Over Recent Missing Fishermen

The release of the latest data comes as protests have intensified among Kerala's coastal communities over the recent disappearance of two fishermen.

The Coastal Police have expanded search operations for Gautam Krishna (26) of Puthenthura, who went missing after a fishing boat capsized near Puthenthura on July 31.

Officials said additional boats and personnel have been deployed for the search.

The accident claimed the lives of Gautam's father, Radhakrishnan (48), and grandfather, Rajeevan (74), who were also on board the fishing boat.

Search Continues for Another Missing Fisherman

Meanwhile, the Vizhinjam Coastal Police are continuing the search for John (54) of Pulluvila, who went missing in a separate fishing boat mishap off the Thiruvananthapuram coast on July 31.

John's family recently staged a protest outside the Vizhinjam Coastal Police Station, alleging that the search operation was not being carried out effectively.