Thiruvananthapuram: A traditional fisherman, who saved many lives during the recent flood crisis in Kerala, was killed in a road accident.
Jineesh, who came under a lorry after he fell off his bike in the last week of September, died at a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital.
The 24-year-old fisherman was among hundreds of “coastal warriors” involved in flood rescue in Kerala. He was one of the first to respond to the call for help in Chengannur in Alappuzha.
People across the country heaped praises on the Kerala’s fishermen after they plunged into the rescue effort, risking their lives to save thousands stranded in places where no one could reach until military choppers arrived.
Dubbed by many as the “state’s special naval force,” the fishermen came in their boats from several parts of the state, spending money from their own pockets. They were credited with rescuing around 65,000 people.
The state government, appreciating the role of the fishermen, has offered welfare schemes for them. Finance Minister Thomas Isaac in a tweet earlier said, “Fishermen are the best rescuers. Their potential should be tapped. 200 fishermen are to be recruited into police as coastal wardens.”
Isaac also said the Fisheries Department will raise a team of rescue volunteers in every district from the fishermen community.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan honored the fishermen with certificates of appreciation. He said, “The fishermen did not think of their safety, their families or any monetary gains from the government when they joined rescue operations.”
(ndtv.com)