The deceased were identified as Francis Justine and Xavier.
In yet another tragedy to hit the fishing community in Kerala within a fortnight, two fishermen were killed and three others reported missing when a ship today collided with their boat off Alappuzha coast.
An intense search launched by the navy, Coast Guard and the Marine Enforcement to trace the missing fishermen and track down the ship which caused the accident is still continuing, officials said.
The two deaths have shocked the fishing community of Neendakara in Kollam district as it happened within two weeks after two fishermen were allegedly shot dead by marines onboard Italian ship 'Enrica Lexie'.
Two of the fishermen of the boat, 'Dawn', which set out from Neendakara fishing harbour in Kollam on Sunday with seven persons onboard, were rescued and brought to Thottappaly fishing harbour in Alappuzha district. They were then admitted to a hospital.
The deceased were identified as Francis Justine and Xavier.
Coast Guard sources told PTI at Kochi that the search which began at 3 AM was still continuing and their "first priority is to trace the missing fishermen".
At least 14 ships that passed the area since last night were investigated but were found to be "innocent", the sources said. All their documents were in place and there were no marks on their vessels showing collision, they added.
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said a high-level meeting of the navy, Coast Guard and the state authorities will be held here on March 5 to take effective measures to ensure safety of fishermen in the sea.
The solatium for the deceased fishermen would be decided at the next cabinet meeting, Fisheries Minister K Babu said.
Opposition Leader VS Achuthanandan, leaders of various parties and fishery unions expressed shock at the incident. They demanded that the state and the Centre should take urgent steps for ensuring the safety of sea-going fishermen.
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