It was the boat’s maiden voyage

UDUPI: Suvarna Thribhuja, the boat which went missing with seven fishermen on board, was on its maiden voyage into the deep sea.
Chandrashekhar of Thottam, Malpe, had the bought Suvarna Thribhuja two years ago and after repairs and other maintenance work it got into the sea for the first time on December 13.

Chandrashekhar married Shyamala 10 years ago and has no children. The couple initially bought land and constructed a house and then thought of getting a boat two years ago. They were hopeful of a bright future; however, no one saw the tragedy coming. Now, the family is under deep pain. It has been over 20 days now that Shyamala’s husband had been to the sea. He is the only breadwinner for the family.

“We want the government to intensify the search operation. We believe all are alive,” said Ramesh, a neighbour of Chandrashekhar.

Another missing fisherman Damodar Salian, a resident of Badanidiyur village in Malpe is the son of Suvarna Thigalaya and Sita Salian. He married Mohini five years ago and has no children yet. Damodar was working with another boat; however, he joined Chandrashekhar on his new venture for the first time.

“Our family is into fishing. Every time Damodar ventured into deep sea, he was back in 10 days. But not this time. We hope to get my brother back soon,” said Pramod, Damodar’s brother.