Twelve fishermen from Tharuvaikulam have been apprehended by the Maldives navy after their mechanized boat accidentally entered the territorial waters of the island nation during a multi-day deep-sea fishing expedition. The fishermen, who set out on October 1 for deep-sea stay fishing, found themselves in distress when their boat, owned by Michael Packiyaraj of Tharuvaikulam, inadvertently drifted into Maldivian territorial waters on October 23.
Upon entering Maldivian waters, the navy detained both the mechanized boat and its crew of twelve along with their catch. The detained fishermen were subsequently taken to Male, the capital of the Maldives, where officials notified the boat owner about the situation.
In response to the distressing development, Member of Parliament Kanimozhi has taken swift action by sending a letter to the Minister for External Affairs, S. Jaishankar. The letter appeals for immediate intervention to ensure the safe release of the fishermen, their boats, and the confiscated catch.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by fishermen engaged in deep-sea fishing activities, where unforeseen circumstances, such as unintentional territorial boundary crossings, can lead to diplomatic and legal complications. The appeal to the Minister for External Affairs reflects the urgency to resolve the matter and secure the release of the detained fishermen, allowing them to return home safely with their vessels and catch.
