Latin Archbishop Thomas J Netto praises Kerala govt’s efforts to trace missing fishermen

Kollam, August 10

Latin Catholic Archbishop of Thiruvananthapuram Dr Thomas J Netto has praised the Kerala government for its swift interventions to trace fishermen who go missing at sea and for its efforts to improve the living conditions and safety of coastal communities.

The Archbishop made the remarks while addressing the 700th anniversary celebrations of the Diocese of Kollam. He said the government’s response to concerns raised by fishing communities, including those in Neendakara and other coastal areas, had been encouraging.

Netto said Chief Minister V D Satheesan had responded with clarity and a sense of responsibility when urgent issues faced by coastal residents and the need to strengthen search and rescue operations were brought to his attention.

He particularly welcomed the Chief Minister’s assurance that the government had identified measures requiring immediate implementation and would act on them within 10 days.

The assurance had brought considerable hope and relief to fishing communities, which frequently face risks associated with accidents and disappearances at sea, the Archbishop said.

“Kerala society is looking at every action of the Chief Minister with great expectations. The diocese and its people extend their full support to all positive initiatives undertaken by the government to trace fishermen missing at sea and to ensure the safety and development of coastal areas,” Netto said.

The Archbishop also appreciated the government’s attention to infrastructure development in coastal regions, including Neendakara, and measures aimed at protecting the lives and property of fishermen.

He said the coastal population expected sustained government intervention to strengthen maritime safety, improve infrastructure and ensure faster responses during emergencies at sea.

Netto expressed hope that the government would successfully implement its proposed development and rescue initiatives and said the Church would continue to support measures aimed at improving the welfare and security of fishing communities across Kerala.