Fri Jan 10 14:52:18 UTC 2025: ## Fishermen Demand Compensation After Collision with Merchant Ship
**KOLLAM, KERALA –** Fishermen are demanding compensation after their boat was struck and abandoned by a merchant vessel in Kerala waters. The incident occurred on January 9th at approximately 2:30 a.m., 46 miles from Cochin fishing harbor.
The mechanized fishing boat, *Immanuel*, owned by S. Anthoniar Pitchai of Kanniyakumari district, was fishing with eight crew members when it collided with the unidentified merchant ship. The impact caused the fishermen to jump overboard to escape, while the merchant ship reportedly continued sailing without assisting them.
The damaged boat was later towed to Mattancherry harbor by three other fishing boats. Fishermen from the Fishermen Welfare Association, Thengapattinam, are calling for immediate action and compensation for the boat owner due to the extensive damage incurred. They describe the incident as a “hit and run” case at sea. The boat had set out to sea from Kollam fishing harbor on January 2nd.
First Piper 