77 Indian fishermen released by Sri Lankan government

Consequent to the mutual agreement between India and Sri Lanka, 77 Indian fishermen released with efforts of High Commission of India in Colombo.

While the remaining eight will also be released today to their respective districts near IMBL by Indian Coast Guard Ships and Sri Lankan Naval ships.

Repatriation of 77 Indian fishermen was effected at Karaikal late evening.

The repatriation was carried out by two Coast Guard ships, namely ICGS Abheek and ICGS Rani Durgavati, The ships took over the fishermen from Sri Lankan Naval Ship Pratapa (340) and Sri Lankan Coast Guard Vessel CG-47 at 1100 hrs on 14 Apr 17 Coast Guard ship Abheek and Rani Durgavati, took over 77 Indian fishermen and were brought to Karaikal.

The repatriated Indian fishermen belong to Nagapattinam (09), Pudukottai (38) and Ramanathapuram (30) districts of Tamil Nadu.

Indian Coast Guard ship Rani Durgavai concurrently repatriated 12 Sri Lankan fishermen who were arrested for poaching activities in Indian waters. Repatriation of Sri Lankan fishermen was facilitated post their release by honourable court of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (I/C), Egmore.

Both the ICG ships reached Karaikal at 7 pm.

After due investigation and documentation, the fishermen were handed over to fisheries department.

The fishermen were received at Karaikal Port by Thiru D Jayakumar, Minister for fisheries, Govt of Tamil Nadu, Dr (Tmt) Beela Rajesh IAS, Commissioner of fisheries, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Station Karaikal, Joint Director of Fisheries, Nagapattinam and Assistant Director of Fisheries viz/, Nagapattinam (South & North)/ Pudukkottai and Ramanathapuram.