Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Sri Lankan Navy Arrests 14 Indian Fishermen for Poaching
Imagine two neighbors, India and Sri Lanka, who share a common fishing spot in the sea, called the Palk Strait.
Sometimes, fishermen from India accidentally drift too close to Sri Lanka's side while fishing.
Recently, a boat with 14 fishermen from India had a problem with its engine and drifted into Sri Lankan waters.
The Sri Lankan Navy caught them and took them to a naval base.
The fishermen's families and their association say it was an accident because of a broken engine and they didn't mean to cross the line.
They hope the governments can help bring the fishermen back home soon.
14 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The fishermen were allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters, crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Fishermen's associations claim the boat drifted due to a mechanical failure, not intentional crossing.
The arrested fishermen and their vessel were taken to the Kankesanthurai Naval Base in northern Sri Lanka.
Indian authorities have been informed, and efforts are underway to facilitate the fishermen's release.
- Who
- Sri Lankan Navy, 14 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu
- What
- 14 Indian fishermen were arrested and their vessel seized by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and entering Sri Lankan waters.
- When
- Early hours of Monday (November 10)
- Where
- Palk Strait, near Point Pedro in Sri Lankan waters
- Why
- Alleged poaching and crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Fishermen's Association
Sri Lankan Navy
Boundary Crossing
Fishermen's Association
Fishermen did not intentionally cross the boundary; the drift occurred due to a mechanical failure.
Sri Lankan Navy
Fishermen were apprehended for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and venturing into Sri Lankan waters.
- Number of Fishermen Arrested
- 14
- Origin
- Tamil Nadu, India
- Location of Arrest
- Near Point Pedro, Sri Lankan waters
- Allegation
- Poaching / Crossing International Maritime Boundary Line
- Detention Facility
- Kankesanthurai Naval Base, Northern Sri Lanka