Six Indian fishermen repatriated

Ramanathapuram, May 9 (UNI) The Coast Guard (CG) today repatriated six Indian fishermen, who were recently arrested by the Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly trespassing into the Sri Lankan Territorial Waters.

A CG spokesperson said Pastin (27) hailing from Tuticorin district, Selvam (35), Jesu Abraham (50), Vellaichamy (24), Pitchai (22) and Antony (22), all hailing from Thangachimadam and Pamban coastal hamlets, ventured into the sea for fishing in an outboard engine-fitted country boat on April 24 from Rameswaram.

They were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy on April 27 for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in the Sri Lankan Territorial Waters.

On a request from the Centre, the Sri Lankan Government released all the six fishermen from Jaffna Prison on May 7.

After completing the legal formalities, the Sri Lankan Naval personnel handed them over to the CG along with the boat at the IMBL this afternoon.

They were safely repatriated and handed over to the State Fisheries Department officials here.

UNI GSM KD AS2032