Thiruvananthapuram | The search for three fishermen who went missing in separate boat mishaps off the Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram coasts continued on Monday, as Chief Minister V D Satheesan and other ministers met their families.

The Indian Navy, coastal police, and Marine Enforcement Wing continued the search for the three fishermen who went missing in boat mishaps at Neendakara in Kollam and Muthalappozhi and Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram.

The search entered its 11th day on Monday for Gautam Krishna, John and Shijin, who went missing in separate fishing boat mishaps at Neendakara, Vizhinjam and Muthalappozhi, respectively, on July 31.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan and Forest and Wildlife Minister Shibu Baby John visited Gautam's house at Neendakara in Kollam and met his mother.

Gautam's father and grandfather died in the boat mishap in which he went missing.

"A tragedy like this should never happen to any family. It is a situation where we don't even know what to say to comfort them," Satheesan said.

He dismissed allegations of delay in the search operation, saying it was halted only when weather conditions were unfavourable.

"Otherwise, every day, using Dornier aircraft, helicopters, maximum screening, and scuba diving systems, the search is being conducted," he said.

The CM said the government would certainly assist the families in every possible way within its capacity.

"Any hurdles related to existing laws or insurance will be resolved by the government to ensure the families receive all the support due to them. The government will do everything it can to support them," he said.

Satheesan said an emergency temporary mechanism as well as a permanent setup would be put in place, and instructions had been given to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure outlining the steps to be taken when someone goes missing at sea.

"Along with modern systems, a system incorporating people experienced in this field is being seriously considered by the government. Very soon, a special mechanism and a standard procedure will be established for this," he said.

He said search operations had begun soon after the missing incidents were reported.

"Requesting Navy support was delayed only due to weather conditions. Sometimes, searches had to be called off midway, and teams had to return due to bad weather," he said.

State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Fisheries Minister Abdul Gafoor visited John's house at Pulluvila near Vizhinjam here and spoke to his family members.

Speaking to reporters, Chennithala said he had spoken to the coastal police inspector general about the search operation.

"The search operation is still going on. The coastal police have included local fishermen who are well-experienced with the sea," he said.

Gafoor said the primary discussion was about the need for an SOP on what must be done during the 'golden hour' when someone goes missing at sea.

"The department is working on an SOP framework. Within two weeks, a proper SOP will be established," he said.

He said a Coast Guard ship was conducting a search in the Rameswaram region of Tamil Nadu.

Chennithala said the state government would speak with the central government to seek assistance from the coast guard soon after mishaps at sea.

He said the coastal police faced several limitations.

He said efforts were underway to improve basic infrastructure and address shortages of vehicles, boats and other resources.

Jiji, daughter of John, sought an apology from Satheesan over his remarks about the missing fishermen.

Satheesan, responding to an Opposition allegation over an alleged delay in rescue operations, had said, "Is this the first time in Kerala's history that three people have gone missing at sea? Do you know how many people went missing during the LDF's 10-year rule? It was 148." Jiji told reporters that she continued to stand firmly by her demand for an apology from the CM.

"Such remarks should never be made while sitting in a position of authority. That clearly manifests in a way that insults our community," she said.

She said the family had raised the CM's comment with Chennithala.

"The home minister is sad about it. But those who should think about this, those who should speak about this, are not saying anything," she said.

She advised people to be cautious in the future.

"Even if they speak in the future, when making comments, it should not be in a way that blames or oppresses a section of people or a community. Don't forget that your seats are built on their votes too," she said.

She said the family had no demand that the CM should visit them, but stressed that greater priority should be given to the search operations and that steps should be taken to prevent such accidents.

Responding to the family's criticism, Satheesan said their reaction should be understood in the context of their grief.

"When a family loses a member, who can they vent their anger against? They can't vent it to the bystanders, right? They can only protest against the government and share their grief. It should be taken in that spirit. They are not seen as enemies," he said.

He said the government was confident that it had acted responsibly in the search operation.