Indian fisherman killed, another missing after collision with Sri Lankan naval vessel

New Delhi, Aug 01: Early this morning, a collision occurred between a Sri Lankan naval vessel and an Indian fishing boat approximately 5 nautical miles north of Katchatheevu Island. The collision resulted in the death of one Indian fisherman, while another remains missing.

Two of the four fishermen on board were rescued and brought ashore to Kankesanthurai. A search operation is ongoing to locate the missing fisherman, a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Indian Consulate officials in Jaffna have been instructed to rush to Kankesanthurai to provide assistance to the rescued fishermen and their families. The Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs, where a strong protest was lodged over the incident read the press release.

Expressing shock and anguish at the loss of life, the Indian government emphasized the need for humane treatment of fishermen and adherence to existing agreements between the two countries.

The Indian High Commissioner in Colombo is also set to raise the matter with the Sri Lankan government later today, underscoring the importance of avoiding the use of force and preventing such incidents from recurring.

Background on Fishermen Arrests and Exchanges

The issue of fishermen straying into each other's territorial waters has long been a contentious one between India and Sri Lanka. Indian fishermen are frequently arrested by Sri Lankan authorities when they inadvertently cross into Sri Lankan waters.

These arrests have led to several exchanges and repatriations over the years, reflecting the complex nature of maritime boundaries and the livelihoods dependent on these waters.

The Government of India prioritizes the safety and security of its fishermen, regularly raising concerns at the highest levels with Sri Lankan leadership.

Both countries have emphasized the need for a humane and humanitarian approach to resolving these issues, striving to avoid conflict and ensure the welfare of their fishing communities.

As the search continues and diplomatic efforts intensify, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by fishermen and the need for peaceful and cooperative solutions to maritime disputes.