14 Tamil Nadu Fishermen Arrested By Sri Lankan Navy For Crossing Maritime Boundary | India News

In another example of cross-border tension in the Palk Strait, 14 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy early on Monday for allegedly attempting to cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and enter Sri Lankan waters.

According to sources, the fishermen set out from Tharangambadi in Mayiladuthurai district on Saturday evening, November 8, in a mechanized fishing boat registered in Vanagiri.

It was reported that the crew, who went to the high seas for routine fishing activities, encountered a mechanical obstacle in the middle of the sea. In an attempt to repair the malfunction, the ship is believed to have veered off course and entered Sri Lankan waters near Point Pedro.

Sri Lankan naval personnel patrolling the area as part of a routine surveillance mission intercepted the boat early on Monday. The crew of 14 were arrested and their ship was seized. They were then taken to Kankesanthurai Naval Base in northern Sri Lanka for questioning.

Fishermen’s associations in Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam expressed deep concern over the incident and urged both the Indian and Sri Lankan governments to ensure early release of the detained crew.

“These fishermen did not cross the border deliberately; the drift occurred due to a mechanical fault,” said K. Muthu, leader of the Tamil Nadu Mechanized Boat Fishermen’s Association. He also called on the Indian government to hold diplomatic talks with Colombo to secure their release.

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Cases of arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy for alleged maritime border violations are recurring and often damaging bilateral relations. Despite repeated talks between the two countries on finding a permanent solution to the fishing dispute, such arrests continue to occur periodically, especially during peak fishing seasons.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department officials informed the Indian High Commission in Colombo about the detention. Efforts are reportedly ongoing to verify the identities of the detained fishermen and coordinate with Sri Lankan authorities to release them.

The state government is expected to submit a detailed report to the Union Ministry of External Affairs, seeking intervention on humanitarian grounds.