Cargo vessel hits fi shing boat, 2 fi shermen killed, 3 missing

KOCHI: Two fi shermen were killed, as many injured and three feared missing when a cargo vessel collided with a fi shing boat anchored off Cherthala in the early hours of today. According to the owner of the fi shing boat, the deceased were identifi ed as Xavier (42) and Justin (40), both hailing from Kollam. The two injured fi shermen were shifted to the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital, he said adding a search was on to locate the missing fi shermen. The incident took place at 0130 hrs off Cherthala Coast and the fi shing boat was anchored after its fi shing off 9.44 GPA, which was said to be about 24 nautical miles off Cherthala Coast, he said. After the incident, the ship sailed without taking account of the accident. Coast Guard sources told media that two of their fast boats, a ship and an aircraft were searching to locate the ship, which was said to be moving southwards. The ill-fated boat with seven fi shermen ventured from Kollam Fishing Harbour on Sunday and it was supposed to return to coast at noon. Further details were being awaited. An Italian oil tanker M V Enrica Lexie was detained at the Kochi Port after two fi shermen were killed in a fi ring by two Italian Maries on board the ship on February 15 last. Families of the victims fi led for a compensation of Rs three crore. The police had arrested two marines, allegedly involved in the fi ring, who were now under police custody. Two Italian Ministers and a team of top offi cials and Military experts had held discussions with Union External Minister S M Krishna for the release of the arrested marines. They claimed the incident had taken place in International waters and hence, the Indian Government had no right to register a case and put them on trial under Indian laws as only international laws were applicable.