Off the Coast
Every year since late 1980’s, 20,000 to 25,000 fishermen migrate from the eastern coast of the country to the western coast so that they can earn more through the fishing skills they are known for. They also specialise in long fishing trips of 20-25 days, during which they spent all their time on the boat and come back to land for just a day where they unload the catch, replenish their supplies and depart for another trip the very next day. Their crew, their memories of home and their belongings is what they have that keeps them connected to the land. Thus the boat remains their home and the crew their family for the most part of the year. So what intrigues me is the question, “What is their sense of home?”
Veraval, Gujarat
Veraval Port and the City.
Harbour, also known as Bandara.
How the boats are transported in Veraval.
Kitchen on the boat.
Cabin Space.
Family photographs and personal belonging of one of the Migrant fishermen.
Captain, also known as tandel, with his Boat.
One of the oldest crew member, also known as Khalaasi.
Young migrant children works as helpers, cooks etc.
Appa Rao, Tandel from Srikakulam.
Crew.
Women in the fishing Industry works in processing units and Packaging units.
Young cook cleaning drinking water storage tank.
Under the Deck.
Khaalasi crushing ice to put it on fish to keep it fresh.
Boats parked during off-season.
Mechanized Trawler.
Boats leaving port early in the morning.
