Even as the operations to rescue the fishermen stuck at mid-sea continue, concern over a large number of fishermen without biometric smart cards has put the enforcement agencies literally at sea when it comes to ascertaining the actual number of fishermen stranded and their whereabouts. ‘‘A huge number of fishermen are entering the sea from Kerala coast without biometric cards. The numbers would be even higher when all the fishing harbours from Chellanam to Munambam were taken together. In case of emergencies like this, we have no other option but to rely on the rough estimates available from the various harbours and the boat operators,’’ the officer said. ‘‘Majority of the boat owners, in quest of cheap labour, are deploying people having no biometric cards and even without verifying their credentials.

Source: The Hindu December 03, 2017 13:30 UTC