In brief
Following Cyclone Murasu’s passage over southern India, authorities in Andhra Pradesh recovered four fishermen’s bodies, all of whom hailed from Tamil Nadu. Nine men had set out facing the storm, and five are still unaccounted for. Officials are coordinating with counterparts in Tamil Nadu to locate the missing.
The bodies of four fishermen were recovered by authorities in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh after the devastating Cyclone Murasu swept through the region on Tuesday. The men, all originally from neighboring Tamil Nadu, were part of a nine‑person crew that set out from their home port on October 29 to fish in the open sea. When the cyclone struck in the early hours of Tuesday, the fishing boat capsized roughly two kilometres from the shore, and the fishermen were thrown into the storm‑filled waters.
Search and rescue effort
Three of the deceased were found washed ashore near Kothapatnam beach, while a fourth body was retrieved by the Indian Coast Guard from the sea, officials confirmed. The recovery operation, carried out by a local government team in coordination with coast guard officers, involved a multi‑day search that combed the coast and nearby waters for survivors or additional bodies.
"His team was in touch with counterparts in Tamil Nadu regarding the missing fishermen, and efforts were being made to find them," said senior government official Raja Babu during a brief statement to the media. The statement came as the search for the remaining five men continued, with officials urging anyone who may have seen the crew or noted unusual activity during the cyclone to come forward.
The nine fishermen had embarked on the same boat, and the entire crew had been caught unprepared by the sudden escalation in wind speed and sea state. The cyclone’s impact on coastal communities was extensive, with numerous reports of damage to fishing infrastructure and the loss of several boats. In the days that followed, the Indian government mobilized naval and air resources to aid in search and rescue operations along the affected coastline.
Cyclone Murasu’s impact
Cyclone Murasu hit southern India’s coastal areas in the early hours of Tuesday, bringing high winds, heavy rain, and massive waves. The storm’s path took it over the western borders of Andhra Pradesh, creating dangerous conditions for maritime activity. Authorities warned fishermen and other coastal dwellers to stay inland and away from open waters, but many had already set out to work before the cyclone’s early onset.
While the recovered bodies were identified as residents of Tamil Nadu, the five missing men remain a concern for both local authorities and their families. Community leaders in the region have organized vigils and prayer meetings for their friends and loved ones, urging the public to assist in the search. Additionally, insurance companies and fishing cooperatives have pledged financial aid to help families cope with the loss.
The coordination between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu officials highlights the cross‑border nature of fishing fleets in the region. Officials from both states are continuing to work together to track down clues that could lead to the missing fishermen. As the storm dissipated, the focus has shifted to recovery, support for affected families, and preventing future incidents of a similar nature.
In the coming days, officials will likely deploy sonar equipment, further patrols, and data from satellite imagery to deepen the search, while ensuring that local communities remain safe from residual hazards associated with the cyclone. The loss of the nine fishermen serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by coastal workers and the need for robust emergency preparedness in the face of increasingly intense weather events. The bodies of the four recovered men were laid to rest in accordance with local customs, and a memorial service is set for next weekend to honour their lives and the marine heritage that defined their daily toil.
