New Delhi, Aug 1 (UNI) India today summoned the Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner and lodged a strong protest over the death of an Indian fisherman while another is missing after a Sri Lankan naval vessel collided with an Indian fishing boat near Katchatheevu island.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that they expressed shock and anguish at the unfortunate loss of life of an Indian fisherman, and that the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo would also be raising the matter with the Sri Lankan government later in the day.
“A collision was reported early this morning between a Sri Lankan naval vessel and an Indian fishing boat five nautical miles north of Katchatheevu Island. Out of the four Indian fishermen who were on board the vessel, one unfortunately lost his life and another is missing. Two of the fishermen have been rescued and brought ashore to Kankesanthurai.
“A search is ongoing for the missing Indian fisherman. Indian Consulate Officials in Jaffna have been instructed to immediately rush to Kankesanthurai and extend all possible assistance to the fishermen and their families.
“The Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi was called in today morning to the Ministry of External Affairs and a strong protest was registered over the incident. We expressed our shock and anguish at the unfortunate loss of life. Our High Commissioner in Colombo will also be raising the matter with the Sri Lankan government later today.
“Government of India has always emphasized the need to deal with issues pertaining to fishermen in a humane and humanitarian manner. Existing understandings between the two Governments in that regard must be strictly observed.
“Utmost efforts should be made to ensure that there is no recurrence or resort to the use of force.
“Government attaches the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian fishermen. Issues relating to Indian fishermen have been raised regularly at the highest levels with the Sri Lankan leadership,” it said.
Sri Lankan news sites quoted Sri Lankan Navy Spokesman Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya as saying that a Sri Lankan Navy patrol vessel spotted Indian fishermen operating in Sri Lankan waters earlier this morning.
Captain Wickramasuriya said that the incident occurred off Delft Island while the Navy was conducting an operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers.
The Indian trawler, carrying four fishermen, capsized due to aggressive manoeuvres and rough sea conditions, he said.
According to the Navy, the Indian vessel, had four fishermen on board at the time of the incident.
One fisherman was rescued and taken to the Punkudathivu Hospital by the Navy but died shortly after admission.
Efforts are currently underway to locate the missing fisherman, with the Navy conducting search operations in the area.
