Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Fisherman Missing After Falling Overboard Off Visakhapatnam Coast
A group of eight fishermen went out to sea near Visakhapatnam on August 16.
While they were returning, Appanna went to the back of the boat to get salt.
The other fishermen then heard a splash.
Appanna had fallen into the sea and could not be found.
The reports place the boat about 11 to 12 nautical miles from the coast.
The other seven fishermen stayed at sea to help with the search.
The Coast Guard, Navy, marine police and fisheries officials joined the operation.
State Home Minister V Anitha asked officials to use all available resources.
The search was still continuing when the report was published.
Volishetti Appanna, a 50-year-old fisherman, went missing after falling overboard from a fishing boat.
Appanna was part of an eight-member crew that set sail for fishing on August 16.
He disappeared during the boat’s return journey after going to fetch salt used to preserve fish.
The incident occurred about 11 nautical miles offshore, while another report placed it at about 12 nautical miles.
The Coast Guard, Navy, fisheries officials and marine police launched a joint search, but Appanna had not been traced.
- Who
- Volishetti Appanna, a 50-year-old fisherman, is missing; the other seven crew members and multiple government agencies are involved in the search.
- What
- Appanna fell overboard from a fishing boat and went missing after the crew heard a splash.
- When
- The crew set sail on August 16; Appanna disappeared at about 1 a.m. during their return journey on Thursday, and the report was dated August 20.
- Where
- Off the Visakhapatnam coast; reports place the boat about 11 to 12 nautical miles offshore.
- Why
- Appanna went to the rear of the boat to fetch salt used for preserving fish before he apparently fell overboard; the exact cause of the fall was not stated.
- Missing fisherman
- Volishetti Appanna
- Age
- 50
- Crew size
- Eight fishermen
- Departure
- August 16
- Location
- About 11 to 12 nautical miles off the Visakhapatnam coast
- Search operation
- The Coast Guard, Navy, fisheries officials and marine police were involved
- Search status
- Appanna had not been traced when the report was published
