Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Feb 25: A fishing boat of Omani origin was found near Malpe St Mary's Island, carrying three fishermen from Tamil Nadu who had escaped from Oman after allegedly facing torture and exploitation.

It has been learned that the fishermen, who were working on the Omani boat, were subjected to severe mistreatment, including being denied wages and food.

According to the Coast Guard, the fishermen fled from Oman Harbor fearing for their lives after the boat owner allegedly confiscated their passports and subjected them to torture.

The fishermen reportedly traveled nearly 4,000 km by sea to reach the Indian coast. The foreign vessel, which was heading towards Malpe via Karwar, ran out of diesel, leaving the fishermen stranded without food or money. Local fishermen near Malpe St Mary's Island noticed the vessel and alerted the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard has seized the boat and detained the fishermen. A case has been registered against them for crossing the border in a foreign vessel without valid documents.

The arrested fishermen have been identified as James Franklin Moses, Robinston and Derose Alphonso of Tamil Nadu origin.