The life of fishermen who go deep-sea fishing, breaking all communication with the mainland to embark on a month-long journey.
"Men at Sea" is about a community of fishermen presently inhabiting the Arabian Sea coast in the districts of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu and Trivandrum in Kerala.
The story observes the life of fishermen who go deep-sea fishing, breaking all communication with the mainland to embark on a month-long journey. Distanced from the land, they live in the sea through sleepless nights and harsh conditions, sometimes to the extent of going to the border of Iran in search of worthy fishing grounds. Schools of fish ranging from swordfish and marlin to stingrays and sharks are hauled onto their boats, filling the boat with the smell of the sea. As fish migrate, fishermen constantly adapt and move to new areas, searching for abundant stocks.
Despite technological advancements, fisherfolks rely on their traditional knowledge of ocean currents, tides, and weather prediction to strategize their fishing methods effectively. Navigating through unpredictable waters, life at sea can take on an unexpected reality in times of storms, rough seas, and bad weather, where fishing boats disappear at sea without any trace.
The absence of communication infrastructure becomes even more problematic during emergencies. Many fishermen have lost their lives due to the lack of immediate communication in times of distress. More than 240 fishermen are still missing after the 2017 cyclone Ockhi. Such stories haunt the families on the coastlines, which show up in their stories and myths. Yet, they continue to aspire to set sail, holding onto their faith dreaming of a good catch. The people in the photo series become exemplary for their tough labor practices and way of life that have survived generations.
josephrahul1123@gmail.com
Make Comment/View Comments
