Overview
- The crew was intercepted early Monday near the northern Sri Lankan coast after allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line.
- The mechanised vessel had reportedly suffered a mechanical snag and drifted off course, according to fishermen’s associations and local reports.
- The 14 fishermen were taken to a naval facility at Kankesanthurai for questioning, with India Today reporting an expected handover to Jaffna Fisheries Department authorities.
- Tamil Nadu’s Fisheries Department has informed the Indian High Commission in Colombo, and officials are verifying identities as the state prepares a report for the Union External Affairs Ministry.
- India Today reports that detentions of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities have reached 64 since September, prompting appeals from local groups for a humanitarian release and a durable solution.