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24 Fishermen Freed by Maldives Coast Guard
9 Nov
Summary
- 24 Indian fishermen detained by Maldives Coast Guard have returned.
- Fishermen were detained on October 13, 2026, for alleged territorial water violation.
- Two fishermen, Sri Lankan refugees, await procedural completion in Maldives.
Twenty-four fishermen, who were detained by the Maldivian Coast Guard last month, have safely returned to India. The fishermen had set out for deep sea fishing from Tharuvaikulam in Thoothukudi district. They were apprehended on October 13, 2026, by the Maldivian Coast Guard for allegedly entering the territorial waters of the island nation.
Following diplomatic intervention, including a letter from Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to Union Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar, the release of the 24 fishermen was secured. Nine fishermen were from one boat, seven from another, and eight from a third. Officials from the Fisheries Department received them in Thiruvananthapuram before they were sent to their respective hometowns across various districts.
The release of two additional fishermen has been delayed. These individuals are Sri Lankan refugees, and certain procedural formalities are still being completed in Maldives before their return can be facilitated.
