The Sri Lankan Navy apprehended a group of 22 fishermen originating from Tamil Nadu's Pudukkottai district for purportedly trespassing the International Maritime Boundary Line, adding to the ongoing occurrences of Indian fishermen facing detainment by Sri Lankan authorities.Â
The fishermen embarked on their voyage on Saturday, setting out in a fleet comprising 74 vessels, with intentions to engage in fishing activities near Sri Lanka's Neduntheevu island. However, their plans were interrupted when they encountered the Sri Lankan Navy, who swiftly surrounded them.
Subsequently, the Sri Lankan Navy seized three of the vessels and detained all 22 fishermen aboard. Following their apprehension, the fishermen were escorted to Kangesan Port for further interrogation and legal proceedings.
Instances of Indian fishermen straying into Sri Lankan waters and subsequently facing arrest by the Sri Lankan Navy have become a recurrent occurrence. This latest incident mirrors a similar event that unfolded in January, wherein the Sri Lankan Navy detained 10 fishermen and confiscated their trawlers under accusations of poaching within Sri Lankan territorial waters.
