Indian Fishermen Reclaim Seized Boats in Sri Lanka

A 15-member team of Indian fishermen from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, arrived in Sri Lanka’s Jaffna district to reclaim fishing boats seized by Sri Lankan authorities for alleged poaching. Led by S. Jesurasa, the group inspected seven vessels docked at Myliddy harbour, released by Sri Lankan courts in 2022.

The team plans to spend three days in Jaffna, hiring local mechanics to repair the boats’ engines before sailing them back to India, with a follow-up trip scheduled to complete the process.

The Palk Strait, a narrow waterway separating Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, remains a flashpoint for fishing disputes due to its rich marine resources. Indian fishermen, often from Rameswaram, frequently cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), leading to arrests and boat seizures by the Sri Lankan Navy.

In 2024, Sri Lanka arrested 535 Indian fishermen, nearly double the previous year, and confiscated 198 trawlers, according to Indian government data. While courts historically released detained fishermen, boats were rarely returned, crippling livelihoods. A new legal arrangement now allows courts to release vessels at their discretion, offering hope to affected fishermen.

The team’s visit follows a recent milestone: on August 25, 2025, 14 Rameswaram fishermen traveled to assess 12 boats released by Sri Lankan courts, escorted by the Sri Lankan Navy from the IMBL to Myliddy. Tensions persist, however, with reports of aggressive encounters, including a 2024 incident where Sri Lankan Navy personnel allegedly beat Indian fishermen.

Diplomatic efforts, including India’s Joint Working Group on Fisheries, continue to seek solutions, but fishermen demand a permanent resolution to protect their livelihoods.

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