Fishermen – Sri Lankan Navy Detains 22 from Tamil Nadu Near Katchatheevu

Fishermen –  Tensions resurfaced in the Palk Strait on Thursday after the Sri Lankan Navy detained 22 fishermen from Tamil Nadu for allegedly entering its territorial waters while fishing. Four mechanised boats were also taken into custody during the operation, according to officials familiar with the developments.

Arrest Reported Near Katchatheevu Islet

The fishermen, who belong to Rameswaram and Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district, had set out to sea late Wednesday night for regular fishing activities. Sources in the fisheries department said the group was operating four boats when they were intercepted in the early hours of Thursday.

The detentions occurred close to Katchatheevu, a small but strategically significant islet in the Palk Strait. The area has remained a sensitive maritime zone due to its proximity to the International Maritime Boundary Line separating India and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan naval personnel reportedly approached the boats while the fishermen were casting their nets. Officials from across the border alleged that the vessels had crossed the IMBL and were fishing within Sri Lankan waters. The detained fishermen were subsequently escorted to a naval facility in Mannar for further inquiry.

Families Await Information Back Home

News of the arrests quickly reached the coastal communities of Rameswaram and Mandapam, triggering concern among families. Relatives gathered at local harbours seeking clarity on the situation and updates from authorities.

For many households in these fishing towns, daily earnings from the sea are their primary source of income. The sudden detention of breadwinners has left families anxious not only about their safety but also about the financial strain such incidents bring.

Local fisheries officials said they are in contact with higher authorities and are working to gather more details about the fishermen’s condition and the status of the seized boats.

Recurring Issue in the Palk Strait

The narrow stretch of water between India and Sri Lanka has long been a flashpoint over fishing rights. Tamil Nadu fishermen frequently operate in waters near Katchatheevu, an area traditionally used by Indian fishermen before it came under Sri Lankan control following a bilateral agreement decades ago.

Allegations of poaching and maritime boundary violations have led to repeated arrests over the years. Boat seizures often compound the hardship, as mechanised vessels represent significant investments for small-scale fishing operators.

Despite periodic diplomatic discussions and assurances from both governments, incidents of detention continue to surface. Each episode adds pressure on livelihoods in coastal Tamil Nadu and fuels demands for a more durable solution.

Appeals for Government Intervention

Fishermen’s associations in Ramanathapuram district have urged both the Tamil Nadu government and the Union government to step in promptly. Representatives of these groups have called for swift diplomatic engagement to secure the release of the detained fishermen and their boats.

Family members have also appealed to authorities to prioritise the matter, describing the emotional toll of waiting for news from across the border. Community leaders say such incidents deepen uncertainty among fishermen who depend on the Palk Strait for survival.

Officials on the Indian side are expected to pursue the matter through established diplomatic channels. In previous cases, negotiations have led to the release of fishermen after formal procedures were completed.

Need for a Sustainable Resolution

The recurring nature of these confrontations highlights the complexity of managing shared marine resources in a densely fished region. The Palk Strait remains vital to thousands of families on both sides of the maritime boundary.

Experts have often emphasised the importance of clearer fishing arrangements, improved communication mechanisms, and cooperative measures to prevent accidental boundary crossings. Until a comprehensive framework is established, however, periodic detentions and boat confiscations are likely to remain a challenge.

For now, the focus remains on securing the safe return of the 22 fishermen and resolving the latest episode without further escalation.