New Delhi, Oct 20 (NationPress) - On Monday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that satellite phone services from Inmarsat have been successfully reinstated for more than 30 fishermen from Tamil Nadu who were trapped at sea.

The British satellite telecommunications provider resumed the services after essential interventions from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), as highlighted by Sitharaman in a recent post on social media platform X.

The stranded fishermen, hailing from Kanyakumari district, faced perilous conditions at sea, a situation that was brought to light by the Fishermen Cell of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Their plight arose after the Inmarsat satellite phone connection, utilized for deep-sea fishing communication, experienced a malfunction.

“It’s uplifting to hear that Inmarsat satellite phone services have been reinstated for over 30 fishermen currently at sea, thanks to the intervention of @BSNLCorporate and @DoT_India,” the Finance Minister remarked.

“The private operator has temporarily restored connectivity for many users, enabling vital communication with those at sea,” she further noted.

She also mentioned that her office had been in contact with Father Thomas of St Mary’s Church in Vallavilai, who expressed concerns regarding the loss of Inmarsat connectivity affecting several fishing vessels.

Most fishermen are now receiving weather alerts and are taking necessary precautions to return home safely.

“BSNL and @DoT_India are collaborating closely with the private operator to ensure services are restored for the remaining fishermen based on their needs,” Sitharaman added.

She also communicated the restoration of phone services to Father Thomas from Vallavalai village, who expressed his relief and gratitude.

“The Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is profoundly committed to the welfare, safety, and security of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen and stands firmly with them during this challenging time,” she stated.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the intensified monsoon conditions have resulted in a persistent low-pressure trough over southern Kerala and adjacent Comorin Sea regions, while a deep depression over the southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep area continues to linger.

Fishermen are urged to avoid venturing into the Southeast and adjoining Eastcentral Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, and Comorin Area, along with the coasts of Karnataka, Kerala, and southern Tamil Nadu until October 21, and over the southwest and adjoining southeast and west-central Arabian Sea during October 22 and 23, as per the meteorological department’s advisory.

Fishermen are advised to return to shore as strong winds ranging from 35–55 kmph are anticipated over the southern and central Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea near Kerala, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, and Maldives areas until October 23.