Fisherfolk are demanding more compensation for the men who died in Cyclone Murasu

Community leader Nanjil Ravi said proper insurance cover for fishermen is needed in addition to government compensation. (File) | Photo credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

Various associations have urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to increase the compensation provided to the families of Kasimedu fishermen who died in the recent Cyclone Murasu.

K. Bharathi of Neithal Makkal Katchi said that the amount of ₹ 7 lakh is hardly enough to protect the interests of the families of those who have lost their sole breadwinners. The families of people who died in the tragedy and during the political meeting were given higher amounts as compensation.

Manivannan of the Chennai Mechanized Boat Owners Association said the amount was too low. “We are not sure whether this amount comes from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund or the Fishermen’s Welfare Fund. Usually, the compensation of ₹7 crore is divided into ₹2,00,000 from the welfare fund and ₹5,000 from the central government. The ship owner has also promised to pay ₹2,00,000 to the families,” he said.

Community leader Nanjil Ravi said proper insurance cover for fishermen is needed in addition to government compensation. “Every time people travel by plane, they have the option of insurance. Even fishermen need insurance according to illness or accident, or if they die, their families need to have term insurance. Right now, even though the boats are insured, the men get much less in compensation.”

TSS activist Mani said that rescue measures are not enough when such incidents occur at sea. “Disaster can happen anytime, not just during cyclones. Men go missing during regular voyages. Officials need to understand that fishermen live a very difficult life. The community feels betrayed during such incidents as government support seems to be minimal.”

An insurance expert said that the insurance is usually tied to the respective ships, which will be considered the company and the men are considered to be its personnel. “You can’t change men unless someone comes to work. The insurance will only cover the same group of men,” she said.

Published – 10 Nov 2026 06:00 IST