Andhra fisherman drowns off Anakapalli coast; 6 still missing near Visakhapatnam
Synopsis
Two separate sea tragedies are unfolding simultaneously off Andhra Pradesh's coast: one fisherman is dead after a capsize near Anakapalli, while a Navy-Coast Guard-Marine Police operation races against the 72-hour survival window to find six men missing since 1 July off Visakhapatnam — as their families protest in the streets, demanding answers.
Key Takeaways
Fisherman Chodipalli Simhadri of Revu Polavaram drowned on 6 July after a boat capsized off Anakapalli district ; three other occupants survived.
Six fishermen remain missing off the Visakhapatnam coast after their boat reportedly capsized in rough seas caused by a Bay of Bengal low-pressure area.
The group of seven left Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour on 1 July and failed to return by their stated deadline of 4 July .
One survivor, Kari Chinna , was rescued by a cargo ship and is in Indian Coast Guard custody; his information is guiding the search.
A joint Indian Navy , Coast Guard , and Marine Police operation using a vessel, rescue boat, and helicopter is in its second day; officials say the first 72 hours are critical.
Agriculture Minister K.
Atchannaidu has directed officials to accelerate operations; families of the missing have staged a protest demanding information.
A fisherman drowned on Monday, 6 July after a boat carrying four fishers capsized off the Revu Polavaram coast in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalli district, even as a separate search operation entered its second day for six missing fishermen off the Visakhapatnam coast. The twin incidents have placed coastal rescue agencies on high alert amid rough sea conditions driven by a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal.
The Anakapalli Capsize
According to police, the boat overturned when rough seas overwhelmed the vessel, throwing all four occupants into the water. Three fishermen managed to swim to safety and reach the shore. The body of the fourth, identified as Chodipalli Simhadri of Revu Polavaram fishing village, was later washed ashore. Authorities have confirmed his death.
Search for Six Missing Fishermen Near Visakhapatnam
A group of seven fishermen from Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts had set out from Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour on 1 July. As sea conditions deteriorated due to the low-pressure system, their families contacted them by mobile phone to urge them to return. The fishermen reportedly told their families they would be back by the afternoon of 4 July. When they failed to return and their phones were found switched off, families alerted the Indian Coast Guard and Marine Police.
One fisherman, Kari Chinna, was subsequently rescued by a passing cargo ship and is currently in the safe custody of the Indian Coast Guard. Search operations are being guided in part by information he has provided. The fate of the remaining six is unknown.
Joint Navy-Coast Guard Operation
The Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Marine Police are jointly conducting the search using a special vessel, a rescue boat, and a helicopter. Operations resumed at 6 am on Monday. An official stated that the first 72 hours of any such search are critical, and that authorities remain hopeful of finding the missing fishermen alive. Inspector General of Police Gopinath Jatti is supervising the rescue effort and visited the regional operations centre of the Indian Coast Guard.
Minister Intervenes; Families Protest
Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu on Monday directed officials to accelerate search operations and ensure all measures are taken for the safe return of the missing men. Meanwhile, anxious families — including parents, wives, and children of the missing fishermen — staged a protest outside the office of the Mechanised Boat Operators' Association, alleging they were being kept in the dark about developments. They were seen crying and pleading with authorities for information.
What Happens Next
With the critical 72-hour window in focus, the joint search team is operating under pressure. Weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal remain a key variable. The rescued fisherman Kari Chinna's account is reportedly the primary lead guiding the search area. Authorities have not yet indicated when operations may be scaled back.
Point of View
It underscores how thin the safety net actually is.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the fishermen off the Visakhapatnam coast?
A group of seven fishermen from Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts went missing after their boat reportedly capsized in rough seas off the Visakhapatnam coast around 4 July 2025. One, Kari Chinna, was rescued by a cargo ship; the remaining six are still missing as of 6 July.
Who is conducting the search for the missing fishermen?
The Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Marine Police are jointly conducting the search, using a special vessel, rescue boat, and helicopter. Inspector General of Police Gopinath Jatti is supervising operations from the Coast Guard's regional operations centre.
What caused the boats to capsize?
Rough sea conditions triggered by a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal are believed to have caused both incidents. Families had alerted the fishermen by phone about deteriorating weather before contact was lost.
Who died in the separate Anakapalli boat capsize?
Chodipalli Simhadri, a fisherman from Revu Polavaram village in Anakapalli district, drowned after his boat capsized on 6 July. Three other fishermen on the same boat survived and reached the shore safely.
What are the families of the missing fishermen doing?
Families — including parents, wives, and children — staged a protest outside the Mechanised Boat Operators' Association office, alleging they were not being given information about the search. Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu has since directed officials to accelerate operations and keep families informed.
