Families seek PM Modi’s help in securing release of 25 Indian fishermen detained in Maldives

The families of 25 fishermen from India’s Thoothukudi detained in the Maldives have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their release.

On Monday, the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) captured three foreign fishing vessels caught in the Maldives Exclusive Economic Zone. The boats were captured 170 nautical miles to the west of Ari Atoll.

While the MNDF did not say where the boats were from or any details regarding the people on board, Indian press reports the three boats, with 25 fishermen from Tharuvaikulam in Thoothukudi district, had set off for deep-sea fishing on October 1.

Their families claim the boats drifted into Maldivian waters due to strong currents and winds.

Amalorpavam, the mother of one of the detained fishermen, appealed to Indian government on Tuesday to take steps to secure the release of the 25 fishermen and bring back their fishing boats.

She told ANI that the boats hadn’t deliberately crossed the maritime boundary to engage in fishing, but had drifted into Maldivian waters due to strong sea currents.

“As a result, our children have been detained. Therefore, I appeal to the Prime Minister of India to intervene immediately and take appropriate steps to ensure the safe release of the detained fishermen and the return of their fishing boats,” she told ANI.

Brother Echoes Plea for Fishermen's Release

Fisherman Sudarshan, brother of one detained fisherman, also urged the Indian government to take immediate steps to secure the release of 25 fishermen.

He told ANI that they have been engaged in fishing since their childhood and struggle hard to sustain their families through their occupation.

“The detention of the fishermen has caused significant losses and hardship for us. Therefore, I appeal to the Prime Minister of India to intervene immediately and take appropriate steps to ensure the safe release of all 25 detained fishermen and the return of their three fishing boats,” he told ANI.

Several foreign fishing boats have been caught in Maldivian waters over the years, most commonly from neighboring India and Sri Lanka.