MADURAI: The Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 14 fishermen from Rameswaram and seized two trawlers for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters late Saturday night. This brings the total number of Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lanka to 88 in 2024.
The arrested fishermen were handed over to fisheries officials in Kilinochchi district and are expected to be produced before a local court before being moved to Vavuniya prison.
Navy Deploys Patrol Craft to Drive Away Indian Boats
The two seized trawlers were part of a fleet of over 500 boats that departed from Rameswaram fishing harbor on Saturday morning. According to the Sri Lankan Navy, a fast attack craft and inshore patrol craft were deployed to drive away Indian boats allegedly fishing near Mannar. While most vessels retreated, 14 fishermen were arrested for continuing to fish in prohibited waters.
Rameswaram Trawler Sinks Near Dhanushkodi
In a separate incident, a fishing trawler from Rameswaram sank near Dhanushkodi on Saturday night after developing a crack in its hull. Fortunately, all seven crew members were rescued by nearby boats.
