ICG repatriates 18 Indian fishermen, released by Lanka

Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, Jun 28 (UNI) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) today repatriated 18 Indian fishermen, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan authorities for trespassing into their territorial waters recently.

A spokesperson of the ICG said a group of 23 Indian fishermen, who had set sail for fishing in three country boats from Rameswaram, were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on May 26 for illegal poaching in the Lankan territorial waters.

On a request from the Indian Government, the Sri Lankan Government released only 18 fishermen. The five remaining fishermen were still lodged in the Marigana prison in the island nation regarding some pending cases.

After completing the legal formalities, the Sri Lankan Naval personnel handed over the 18 Indian fishermen and their country boats to the ICG at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), this afternoon. Due to rough weather, there was some delay in bringing the fishermen to Mandapam.

However, the ICG personnel safely repatriated the Indian fishermen and handed them over to the State Fisheries department officials here, this evening.

UNI GSM SW NS2010