Ahmedabad, Sept 07: As many as 257 Indian fishermen released from Pakistani jails two days back arrived at the Okha port here today even as the Coast Guard continued to search for 12 others who went "missing" after leaving for home, a top coast guard official said today. "We have received 28 fishing boats carrying the fishermen,” coast guard commandant, Okha, Kajol Roy told reporters.

Two boats carrying about 15 fishermen were missing and Coast Guard ships and air force helicopters were searching for them.

Indian Coast Guard has also sought the help of its Pakistani counterpart in locating the missing boats.
Roy said that the two boats were suspected to have developed some technical problem and have not yet crossed the International Border line.

The fishermen, including 30 crew members of cargo ships that went astray and were arrested by Pakistan marine officials a year ago, were going through customs checks and health check-ups at the Okha port before joining their families who have been eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Bureau Report