Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed deep grief and concern over the tragic capsizing of the fishing trawler ‘Maa Kali’ off the West Bengal coast, in which nine fishermen have died and six others are still missing.
In a statement, Naveen Patnaik said he is deeply saddened and heartbroken by the incident near Kakdwip in the Bay of Bengal. He particularly expressed concern as three of the missing fishermen belong to Odisha’s Balasore district.
Taking to his X handle, he wrote: “I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of many fishermen who have gone missing in the sea near Kakdwip in the Bay of Bengal. Knowing that three of the missing fishermen are from Odisha, I am greatly concerned. While praying for the eternal peace of the souls of the fishermen who have lost their lives, I also pray for the safe recovery of the other missing fishermen. At this hour of grief, I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.”
It is pertinent to mention that the three missing fishermen from Odisha have been identified as Rabindra Majhi, Jagannath Majhi, and Jayaram Majhi — all brothers from Uluda village in Bhograi block of Balasore district.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the coastal communities of both West Bengal and Odisha.
