Fisheries department sources said the fishermen had ventured into the sea from Kodiyakkarai off Vedaranyam in two fibre boats around 2 p.m. on January 20, 2026. Representational file image.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
Seven fishermen from Mayiladuthurai district were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday (January 20, 2026) night for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing in the Palk Strait.
Fisheries department sources said the fishermen had ventured into the sea from Kodiyakkarai off Vedaranyam in two fibre boats around 2 p.m. on Tuesday (January 20, 2026). The boats were intercepted around 10 p.m. near Neduntheevu.
One of the boats had four fishermen on board — Devaraj, Sridhar of Perumalpettai, and Kalaivanan and Saranraj from Pudhukuppam near Sirkazhi.
The second fibre boat had three fishermen — Rajesh, Sathya, and Thanivel — all residents of Vanagiri.
The fishermen were taken into custody along with the boats for allegedly fishing across the maritime boundary. Though hailing from Mayiladuthurai district, the fishermen had been staying at Kodiyakkarai for fishing activities.
Published – January 21, 2026 09:19 am IST
