Nineteen fishermen of Nagapattinam district were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy when they were fishing in the mid-sea.
The fishermen belonging to Nagapattinam, Keechankuppam and Akkaraipettai coastal villages had set sail in two mechanised boats on Thursday night. While one boat bearing the number – INDTN06MM814 – had 10 fishermen on board, the other boat – INDTN06MM1146 - had nine members.
Fisheries Department officials said the fishermen left Nagapattinam harbour in the late hours and were supposed to return on Sunday.
The officials received information regarding the arrest of the fishermen on Saturday morning.
The department had obtained the name list of the arrested fishermen who were taken to Kankesanthurai in the island nation for inquiry, the officials said.
This is the third time in the recent past that fishermen of Nagapattinam district have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
A few days ago, 15 fishermen of Nambiar Nagar and Akkaraipettai areas were arrested. Prior to that, nine fishermen of the district were arrested.
