NEW DELHI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least four fishermen went missing, and three others were rescued after their boat capsized off the coast in India's southern state of Kerala, officials said Friday.
The boat capsized Thursday midnight about 11 nautical miles north off Munambam harbor in Kochi district.
Following the boat capsize, the Coast Guard and the Kerala Fisheries Department launched a search and rescue operation for the four missing fishermen.
"There were seven fishermen in the boat. Three fishermen were rescued by other fishing boats," an official said. "Coast Guard fast patrol vessel, an interceptor boat, and air assets have been deployed in the area."
The rescued fishermen have been admitted to a hospital in Fort Kochi.
Officials said a special team of divers has also been deployed to augment the search efforts.
"The search operation was underway in the area until last reports poured in," the official said. "So far, the four missing fishermen could not be traced."
Reports said the rough sea conditions and strong wind in the sea were causing hindrances for the search operation.
