In a recent development that highlights the ongoing maritime tensions between India and Sri Lanka, fourteen Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and entering Sri Lankan waters. The incident took place in the Palk Strait, a narrow body of water separating the southeastern coast of India from the northern coast of Sri Lanka, an area frequently marked by disputes over fishing rights and maritime boundaries.
According to reliable sources, the fishermen had embarked on a routine fishing expedition on the evening of Saturday, November 8. They set sail from Tharangambadi, a coastal town in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, aboard a mechanised fishing vessel registered in Vanagiri. The crew, consisting of 14 members, ventured into the high seas as part of their usual fishing operations. However, during their time at sea, the vessel reportedly suffered a mechanical malfunction. In an attempt to repair the fault, the boat is believed to have drifted off course, inadvertently crossing the IMBL and entering Sri Lankan waters near Point Pedro, located on the northern tip of Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan Navy, which was conducting a routine patrol and surveillance mission in the area, intercepted the fishing vessel in the early hours of Monday. The naval personnel detained all 14 fishermen and seized their boat. Subsequently, the fishermen were taken to the Kankesanthurai Naval Base, situated in northern Sri Lanka, where they were subjected to questioning. This detention has once again brought to the forefront the sensitive issue of fishermen crossing maritime boundaries in this region, a problem that has repeatedly strained India-Sri Lanka relations.
Local fishermen’s associations in Tamil Nadu, particularly those based in Mayiladuthurai and neighboring Nagapattinam, have expressed deep concern over the incident. They assert that the fishermen did not deliberately cross into Sri Lankan waters but were victims of unfortunate circumstances stemming from the mechanical failure on their boat. K. Muthu, the leader of the Tamil Nadu Mechanised Boat Fishermen’s Association, emphasized this point, stating, “These fishermen did not intentionally cross the boundary; the drift occurred due to a mechanical failure.” He further appealed to the Indian government to engage in diplomatic negotiations with the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure the swift and safe release of the detained crew.
This incident is not isolated but part of a pattern of similar occurrences where Tamil Nadu fishermen are arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly violating maritime boundaries. These arrests tend to spike during peak fishing seasons, escalating tensions between the two countries. Despite ongoing bilateral discussions aimed at resolving the fishing disputes amicably and establishing a permanent mechanism to prevent such incidents, arrests and confrontations continue to take place periodically. The fishermen, many of whom rely on these waters for their livelihood, often find themselves caught in the crossfire of geopolitical and territorial disagreements.
In response to the latest incident, officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department have promptly informed the Indian High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, about the detention of the fishermen. Efforts are reportedly underway to verify the identities of the arrested individuals and to coordinate closely with Sri Lankan authorities for their release. The Tamil Nadu state government is preparing to submit a comprehensive report detailing the incident to the Union Ministry of External Affairs. This report will seek the intervention of the Indian central government on humanitarian grounds, emphasizing the need to address the fishermen’s predicament urgently and compassionately.
The persistent issue of fishermen crossing the IMBL can be attributed to several factors. The Palk Strait and adjacent waters are rich fishing grounds, and fishermen from Tamil Nadu have traditionally accessed these areas for generations. However, the maritime boundary between India and Sri Lanka, as demarcated by the IMBL, restricts Indian fishermen from operating in Sri Lankan waters. Compounding the problem are the mechanical failures and navigational challenges faced by small fishing vessels, which can inadvertently lead them into foreign waters. Moreover, the lack of a permanent, mutually agreed-upon resolution to fishing rights in this region leaves fishermen vulnerable to arrest and detention.
The recurring nature of these incidents underscores the urgent need for both nations to accelerate diplomatic efforts and develop effective mechanisms to prevent future conflicts. Potential solutions could include the establishment of clearly marked no-fishing zones, joint patrolling of maritime areas by both navies, and improved communication channels to promptly address accidental incursions. Additionally, providing fishermen with better equipment, navigational aids, and emergency support could help prevent vessels from drifting unintentionally into prohibited