THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Fish workers who left shores of Kerala are stranded in Iran. There are 17 men from Thiruvananthapuram district, native to Vizhinjam, Pozhiyoor and Maryanaad, who are part of an over 800-member fishing group stuck in Iran. A few are Tamil natives. The situation arose after Iran announced measures in vigil of Covid-19. Following the announcement, it became impossible for these men to leave the rooms they had camped in.
The group left for Iran four months ago on fishing visas. However following corona fears, Iranian authorities prohibited them from getting outdoors, stranding them completely. Access to food is now difficult as is communication with their family members back home.
The govt shall take all steps necessary to transport the stranded men back to their homes said Minister for Fisheries J Mercykuttyaamma. Their identities including addresses would be passed on to NORKA. It is being attempted to get in touch with the embassy via NORKA, in order to get the fish workers back here, the minister said. The matter has been brought to the attention of Chief Minister, she added.
