New Delhi, Aug 3 (UNI) The two Indian fishermen who were caught by the Sri Lankan navy after their boats collided near Katchatheevu island have been repatriated to India, while the body of an Indian fisherman who drowned in the incident has been repatriated to Rameswaram.
The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said that in cooperation with the government of Sri Lanka they repatriated the two Indian fishermen early today. One fisherman is still missing.
In a post on X, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said:
“@IndiainSL and @CGJaffna in cooperation with GoSL secured the safe repatriation of the 02 Indian fishermen along with the mortal remains of the deceased fisherman from Jaffna last night. They reached Rameswaram in the early hours today.”
On August 1, India had summoned the Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner and lodged a strong protest over the death of an Indian fisherman while another went missing after a Sri Lankan naval vessel collided with an Indian fishing boat near Katchatheevu island.
The incident occurred off Delft Island, five nautical miles north of Katchatheevu Island, while the Sri Lankan Navy was conducting an operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers.
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.
The Indian trawler, carrying four fishermen, capsized due to aggressive manoeuvres and rough sea conditions.
According to the Sri Lankan Navy, the Indian vessel, had four fishermen on board at the time of the incident.
Late in the evening the Indian High Commission said that the consulate general in Jaffna visited Kayts police station and met the two Indian fishermen, Muthumuniyandu and Mookaiah, who were in the capsized boat. The Indian officials ascertained the well-being of the two fishermen and assured them of all possible support. Consulate officials also facilitated phone calls to their families in India to ensure their welfare.
