KOCHI: Ockhi cyclone has left hundreds of boats stranded in the sea. “Of the 200 boats, which had ventured out into the sea, we have received signals from 150. The rest are yet to respond. The Fisheries Department failed to set up any kind of warning system,” said Joseph Xavier Kalapuraikkal, state secretary, Boat Owners Association.
“According to the information with us, 211 boats had ventured out for deep sea fishing 11 days back. We will be able to contact them only when they get closer to land. EWe have issued alerts through the societies and hope the fishermen will pay heed,” said S Mahesh, Deputy Director, Fisheries, Ernakulam Zone.