39 fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy

Rameswaram(TN), Jul 16: A total of 39

from Jagathapattinam and Rameswaram were arrested by Sri Lankan navy personnel today while fishing near the Palk Straits, fisheries department officials said.

In the first incident, 23 fishermen who set out to sea from Jagathapattinam in Pudukottai district in five mechanised boats were arrested and their boats detained while fishing near Neduntheevu this evening.

They have been lodged at Kangesanthurai naval camp, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Pudukottai District, Sekar said. S Emerit, President of Rameswaram Fishermen Welfare Association said another group of 16 fishermen from Rameswaram in three boats were arrested while fishing near Katchatheevu today.

Their boats were also detained and they have been lodged at Thalaimannar naval camp, he said.

PTI