In a development that has caused considerable distress, 14 fishermen hailing from Tamil Nadu have been detained by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The fishermen had embarked on a fishing expedition from Tharangambadi, Mayiladuthurai district, on Saturday evening, using a mechanized boat from Vanagiri. Reports suggest that a mechanical failure aboard their vessel mid-ocean led to an unintended drift into Sri Lankan waters, specifically near Point Pedro. Sri Lankan naval personnel on patrol intercepted the boat early Monday morning, arresting all 14 crew members and impounding their fishing equipment. The detained fishermen were then escorted to the Kankesanthurai Naval Base in northern Sri Lanka for questioning. Fishermen’s unions have called for urgent government intervention, emphasizing the accidental nature of the boundary crossing due to technical issues. They are urging for swift diplomatic action from India to ensure the safe return of the fishermen. This recurring pattern of arrests highlights the unresolved fishing disputes that continue to impact the livelihoods of fishermen from both sides of the Palk Strait. The Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department has initiated communication with the Indian High Commission in Colombo to facilitate the release, with the state government preparing to involve the Union Ministry of External Affairs.
