Sri Lankan Navy Arrests 8 Indian Fishermen, Seizes Two Trawlers
The Sri Lankan Navy has apprehended eight Indian fishermen and seized two fishing trawlers for allegedly operating within Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. The arrests occurred during a special operation conducted on the night of January 11, 2025, in the sea area north of Mannar.
According to an official statement, the North Central Naval Command detected a cluster of Indian fishing boats engaged in illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters. In response, the Navy deployed Fast Attack Craft and Inshore Patrol Craft to intercept the vessels. The operation resulted in the seizure of two Indian fishing boats and the detention of eight Indian fishermen who remained within Sri Lankan waters.
The detained fishermen and their vessels were transported to the island of Iranativu. They are expected to be handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Kilinochchi for further legal proceedings.
This incident adds to the ongoing tensions between India and Sri Lanka over fishing rights in the Palk Strait, a narrow body of water separating the two nations. The area is a rich fishing ground, leading to frequent disputes and arrests as fishermen from both countries often inadvertently cross maritime boundaries. Such incidents have been a persistent issue, with several Indian fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy in recent years.
The Indian government has consistently engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure the release of detained fishermen and resolve the disputes amicably. However, the recurring nature of these incidents underscores the need for a sustainable solution that addresses the concerns of both nations and their fishing communities.
In the meantime, authorities on both sides continue to urge fishermen to adhere strictly to maritime boundaries to prevent such occurrences and maintain peaceful bilateral relations.
