Monday, Sep 15, RAMANATHAPURAM: The Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday handed over 38 fishermen, who were detained for maritime violations, to the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard sources said the repatriation took place at the International Maritime Boundary Line. A Coast Guard ship brought the fishermen, who hail from Thangachimadam in Rameswaram, to Mandapam. It also escorted seven boats used for poaching in the Sri Lankan waters.

The fishermen were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy on September 11 and 12 between Katchatheevu and the Delft Island. The boats carried seven minors who did not have fishing permits or identity cards.

Immediately after they reached the Coast Guard station at Mandapam, intelligence and security agencies interrogated them about the circumstances that led to their detention by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen told the police the Navy opened fire at the boats before detaining them. Though no one was injured, one boat was damaged. They said the Navy detained them near Katchatheevu.

Coast Guard authorities said the fishermen should not violate the International Maritime Boundary Line. They said a few minors were on board the seized vessels, and carrying people without identity cards was a serious matter.