KOCHI: A social activist has said that not only during a crisis like Ockhi but peaceful times also fishers go missing and red hydrogen balloons can serve as SOS to ships or boats nearby to rescue them. "People are of the wrong impression that fishermen perish during natural calamities only. In fact, many go missing and also die during their regular attempt to catch fishes. These days they use narrow boats to gain speed, and hence there are more chances of them getting toppled," said M. Sanjeevan. He said hydrogen balloons could be effectively used to contain them.
"Fishermen can be trained in this aspect. The Friedrich Engels Society which I am part of is planning a workshop for on this soon," he said. "Small cylinders of hydrogen with an automatic mechanism to fill the red balloons in the vessel and float them during crises are the solution. Ships and boats in the vicinity can sight them and come to rescue. Even ISRO can use their satellites to capture images of balloons and sent to the district disaster relief centres. In fact, the government agencies should conduct workshops to probe the possibilities. Phones have been found of no use in the deep sea."
