The number of fishermen who died while fishing in the three coastal districts in the State rose steeply to 102 in the last financial year (2025-26) compared with the previous two fiscals, informed K. S. Basavanthappa, Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport on Tuesday.
According to the Minister, 57 and 56 fishermen had died while fishing in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts in 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively.
He was replying to an unstarred question by Legislative Council member Kishore Kumar Puttur.
No life jackets distributed in Uttara Kannada
Incidentally, of the total 102 deaths reported in the last financial year, the highest number (57) were in Uttara Kannada, where the Department of Fisheries had distributed no life jackets to fishermen. Uttara Kannada is the home district of former Minister for Fisheries and Ports Mankal Vaidya, who represents the Bhatkal Assembly constituency.
The government’s reply said five deaths were reported in 2025-26 from Dakshina Kannada, where 160 life jackets were distributed. No life jackets were distributed in Dakshina Kannada during 2023-24 and 2024-25, when four deaths each were reported.
Udupi district reported 40 deaths in the last financial year, where 193 life jackets were distributed.
Mr. Basavanthappa said the government has reserved ₹6.04 crore for distributing equipment kits to fishermen in 2026-27. Life jackets will be distributed to them based on demand and availability of funds, he said.
Each life jacket lasts for about four to five years depending on its use. The market price of a life jacket is between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500.
The Minister said the bidding process has begun for purchasing and distributing life jackets to fishermen in the current financial year.
The Minister added that the Fisheries Department issues licences to fishing boats only after ensuring the availability of life jackets and life buoys.
He said two-way communication transponders are being installed in mechanised fishing boats for their safety.
Published – August 19, 2026 08:14 pm IST
