The Tamil Nadu Government would distribute walkie-talkies worth Rs 7.39 crore to fishermen in Ramanathapuram district to help those stranded at mid sea contact officials within a 60 sq km radius, Deputy Director of Fisheries, Radhakrishnan said today.

Speaking after inspecting local fisheries offices, he said the walkie talkies would be supplied free of cost to country boat fishermen, while mechanised boat operators would be given it at 50 per cent subsidy.

Each set, to be supplied by ELCOT would cost Rs 13776. The government would charge Rs 500 for registration of the sets and each walkie talkie would be given a number, he said.

This would benefit fishermen from Devipattinam, Tiruvanakudi and Rameswaram, he said.

There are 1670 mechanised boats and 3100 country boats in the district.

He said wireless towers had been set up at Erwadi, Pamban and Thondi from the Tsunami fund.

Radhakrishnan said he had held discussions with members of various fishermen's Associations on the government assistance they expect.

During the meeting mechanised boat owners also requested the government to provide walkie talkies free of cost.