Families of 25 fishermen from India’s Tamil Nadu state have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in securing their release after the Maldives Coast Guard detained them and seized their three fishing boats over alleged illegal fishing in Maldivian waters.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) confirmed on Monday night that three foreign fishing vessels had been seized within the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The military did not disclose the vessels’ nationality or provide details about the people on board in its initial announcement.
Indian media reports identified the fishermen as being from Tharuvaikulam, a fishing village in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. The three mechanised gillnet fishing boats belong to A. Ramesh Kumar, S. Soosai Pakiyam and S. Michael John Sankar, all associated with the Tharuvaikulam fishing harbour.
The fishermen reportedly departed on October 1 for deep-sea fishing, intending to catch tuna. According to their families, strong winds and sea currents pushed the boats into Maldivian waters. The fishermen were detained on allegations that they had crossed the maritime boundary and fished in a prohibited area.
Amalorpavam, the mother of one of the detained fishermen, appealed to the Indian central government to intervene and secure the release of the 25 men and the return of their boats.
She said the fishermen had gone to sea for their livelihoods and urged Modi to take immediate steps to ensure their safe return.
Sudarshan, the brother of another detained fisherman, also appealed to the Indian government for assistance. He said the fishermen had been working in the fishing industry since childhood to support their families, adding that their detention had caused considerable financial hardship.
The families and boat owners have sought assistance from Indian authorities to secure the fishermen’s repatriation and recover the three vessels. Relatives and members of the Tharuvaikulam fishing community have also approached fisheries officials in Tamil Nadu to request intervention.
According to reports citing Indian Ministry of External Affairs sources, the detained fishermen were being escorted to Malé, the Maldivian capital, from their place of detention. Indian officials were expected to contact them after their arrival to check on their welfare and pursue further steps.
The incident highlights the enforcement of maritime boundaries in the Indian Ocean, where fishing vessels from neighbouring countries can face detention when they are found operating in waters outside their permitted fishing areas. The Maldives has previously detained foreign fishing vessels, including boats from India and Sri Lanka, over alleged violations of its maritime laws.
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