Daijiworld Media Network - Thoothukudi
Thoothukudi, Oct 14: The Maldivian Coast Guard has detained 25 fishermen from Tharuvaikulam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district and seized three mechanised fishing boats for allegedly crossing the maritime boundary and fishing in Maldivian waters. The fishermen’s families and boat owners have appealed to the authorities to secure their immediate release and bring them back to India.
The three gillnet fishing boats belong to A Ramesh Kumar, S Soosai Pakiyam and S Michael John Sankar, all from Tharuvaikulam fishing harbour. According to reports, the fishermen ventured into the deep sea aboard the three boats to catch tuna. They were subsequently intercepted by the Maldivian Coast Guard while fishing near the island nation.
According to a report by Deccan Chronicle, the fishermen had set sail on October 1, while the initial information provided by local sources indicated that they were apprehended late on Monday. The Maldivian authorities allegedly seized the boats along with their catch and detained all 25 crew members.
The fishermen’s families and boat owners have approached fisheries officials in Tamil Nadu, urging them to intervene and ensure the safe return of the detained men and their vessels. Family members have also appealed to the Central Government to take up the matter with the Maldivian authorities.
Amalorpavam, the mother of one of the detained fishermen, said the boats were believed to have drifted into Maldivian waters due to strong sea currents and winds. She appealed to the Prime Minister to intervene and facilitate the fishermen’s release.
Sudarshan, the brother of one of the detained fishermen, also urged the Central Government to act swiftly, stating that the detention had caused considerable hardship to the fishermen’s families, who depend on fishing for their livelihood.
Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs sources said the detained fishermen were being escorted to Male, the Maldivian capital, from their place of detention. Indian officials are expected to contact them after they reach Male to ascertain their welfare and pursue further steps for their release.
The families are awaiting urgent intervention from the Indian authorities to secure the safe return of the fishermen and their boats.