Family members and fishing community representatives from Tamil Nadu, India, have stated that 25 Indian fishermen detained by the Maldives Coast Guard crossed into Maldivian waters unintentionally after being pushed off course by severe weather and strong oceanic currents. The fishermen, who departed on three mechanised gillnet boats from Tharuvaikulam in the Thoothukudi district on October 1 for tuna fishing, were taken into custody on allegations of crossing the international maritime boundary and fishing illegally.
Community leaders and relatives emphasized that the crew had ventured into the deep sea strictly for their customary livelihood before harsh winds and adverse sea conditions caused their vessels to drift into the Maldives’ exclusive economic zone. They noted that fishing has been the primary occupation sustaining these families for generations and that no intentional breach was committed.
The seizure of the three boats and the prolonged detention of the 25 crew members have triggered mounting financial strain and emotional distress across the local coastal community. With the breadwinners held overseas and the vessels—essential to their daily livelihood—seized, families voiced serious concerns over mounting losses and the welfare of the crew.
Highlighting the acute hardships faced at home, Sudarshan, the brother of one of the detained fishermen, appealed directly to authorities: "We struggle hard to sustain our families through this occupation, and 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."
Local fishermen's associations and affected families continue to call for diplomatic intervention between the central authorities of India and the Maldivian government to secure the prompt repatriation of the crew and the return of their vessels.