Three fishermen died and nearly 440 went missing, following a storm that hit the coastal areas of Saurashtra, Fishermen's Association sources said on Saturday.

The association has sought the help of Army and Coast Guards to locate the fishermen who went missing in the last two days, the President of Boat Owners' Association, Jeevanbhai Jungi said. Helicopters are making aerial surveys to locate the 74 boats that were yet to return, he said.

As per the last telephonic conversation with a group of fishermen, three persons have died, he said, adding that details were not known. The district authorities have issued warning to all the ports and asked people not to venture into the sea.

Meanwhile, the meteorological department said the depression formed over the coastal region has subsided into a a low pressure area.