Two Sri Lankan Tamils, who attempted to clandestinely flee to Talaimannar in a fishing boat, almost drowned when their boat capsized on the high seas on Saturday evening. They were rescued by local fishermen on Sunday morning.
Sources in Q Branch and Marine Police of Coastal Security Group said the two persons — M. Santhakumar (42), a native of Trincomalee, and N. Ratheesan (24) from Vuviniya — came to coastal Karankadu from Chennai on September 23.
They introduced themselves to the local fishermen as mechanics, and offered to repair their boats. On the pretext of repairing the boats, they made a small engine-fitted fishing vessel ready and tried to escape, the police said. They ferried about 10 nautical miles when the boat capsized and drowned, the police said, adding the duo, however, managed to escape by holding on to diesel cans.
They were rescued by the fishermen and handed over to the Marine Police, who arrested them under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, read with Sections 3 (a) and 6 (a) of the Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950. Enquiries revealed that they had reached Tamil Nadu clandestinely three years ago and had been staying in Velacherry and Taramani in Chennai.
