11 Sri Lankan fishermen repatriated

Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, Mar 27 (UNI) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) today repatriated 11 Sri Lankan fishermen arrested for straying into Indian territorial waters at Karaikkal, recently.

An ICG spokesperson said the fishermen sailing in two Sri Lankan fishing boats-- Pothimalli and Anura-- were apprehended by the ICG off Karaikkal Coast on March 10.

On being released by the Indian Government, the ICG was directed to repatriate all the 11 fishermen hailing from Trincomalee.

Complying with the directions of the Centre, ICG warship 'Vivek' towed both the boats with their crews to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and handed them over to the Sri Lankan Navy.

UNI GSM JJ GM VD HS1909