A cargo ship allegedly tore three fishing nets deployed by fishermen from Arnala off the Vasai coast, causing an estimated loss of Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh, according to a report by Loksatta . The fishermen said the vessel continued on its route despite their attempts to signal it to stop.
The incident involved the fishing boat Sant Antoni, which had taken fishermen into the deep sea during the current fishing season. The fishermen had spread three nets using the traditional ‘kav’ method when the cargo ship passed through the same area, according to the report. The nets were torn and between 10 and 15 fibre floats attached to them were also carried away.
The affected fishermen said they tried to warn the approaching vessel and attempted to stop it, but received no response. They also said they tried to contact the ship after the incident but were unable to obtain a response. The claims have not been accompanied in the report by a response from the vessel operator or a maritime authority.
Fishing resumed along the western Vasai coast after Narali Purnima, with boats from Arnala, Pachubandar, Naigaon Koliwada and Killabandar returning to deeper waters. More than 800 fishing boats operate in the wider Vasai-Virar coastal area, according to the report, and some fishing crews remain at sea for seven to eight days at a time.
The fishing season generally runs from August to May, although cyclones, poor weather, changes in underwater currents and unseasonal rain have repeatedly disrupted operations in recent years. The reported damage therefore comes as fishermen have begun the season after a delayed or interrupted period of activity caused by weather-related conditions.
The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of fishing crews operating along routes used by commercial vessels. Social worker Ninad Patil said that if the collision with the nets had occurred at night, it could have threatened the fishermen’s lives. Local fishermen have additionally questioned how they will continue fishing if commercial shipping movements increase in the region with the planned development of the Vadhavan port in Palghar.
The report does not state whether a formal complaint has been filed, whether the vessel has been identified, or whether compensation proceedings have begun. The immediate next steps for the affected fishermen and the relevant maritime authorities remain unclear.
