Sri Lankan fishermen detained in Myanmar

A group of Sri Lankan fishermen and their three trawlers have been reportedly detained for having illegally ventured into Myanmarese waters, an official said here Tuesday.

It was earlier reported that a group of Sri Lankan fishermen, who departed from the southern coastal area, were left stranded due to a storm, Xinhua reported.

Around 30 fishing vessels were caught in the storm, Lal De Silva, assistant director of the Department of Fisheries, Sri Lanka, told reporters.

According to the department, it has requested Myanmar authorities to allow the affected boats to enter their waters, but have not been given an official reply.

"We have requested the Myanmar and Bangladeshi governments to provide necessary assistance," the official said, adding that the fishermen may have been detained for poaching.