Cherthala: Two clam workers were stranded in Vembanad Lake on Wednesday after their country boat got stuck in a thick cluster of water hyacinths while returning to shore. They were rescued by the Fire and Rescue Department following an operation that lasted nearly an hour.

The workers, Rajesh (43) of Padinjare Koottanad and Gireesh (38) of Gireesh Bhavan, both residents of Ward 6 in Thanneermukkom panchayat, were trapped near Lakshmikari on the northern side of the Kattachira-Kundivalavu stretch of the lake.

Despite several attempts, the duo could not wade through the dense mat of water hyacinths. Panchayat member Binu Cherthala then alerted the Fire and Rescue Department. The rescue team reached the spot and cleared the thick vegetation using bamboo poles, ropes, and life buoys. The stranded boat was later towed to shore with the help of a motorboat.

The rescue operation was led by Assistant Station Officer Sreekumar, along with fire personnel R. Madhu, KR Ranjith, KS Sudheesh, S Unni, Aneesh, and V Vineeth.

Water hyacinths have become a major menace across Vembanad and Vayalar lakes, posing serious challenges to fishing, water transport, and clam collection. Traditional fishermen and clam workers in the coastal region are struggling to make ends meet, as the invasive weed has made it nearly impossible to operate country and motor boats.