Thoothukudi fishermen detain six boats from Colachel and Kerala

Mechanised boat fishermen from Thoothukudi detained six boats – one from Kerala with 13 fishermen and five from Colachel in Kanniyakuamri district with 73 fishermen – for carrying out fishing operations in Gulf of Mannar.

Condemning the ‘trespass,’ mechanised boat fishermen and owners here struck work on Monday.

After sion at holding discusthe Thoothukudi

Fishing Harbour about this issue, they ventured into the sea in 11 boats around 10 p.m. on Tuesday though norms permit them to leave only at 5 a.m.

On seeing the boats from Kerala and Colachel 26 nautical miles away from Thoothukudi, they detained the boats. When the fishermen in Kerala and Coalchel boats resisted the attempt, two fishermen sustained minor bruises in a scuffle.

When the boats were brought to Thoothukudi in the early hours of Wednesday, RDO M. Prabhu held talks with the Thoothukudi fishermen. While they agreed to release the detained fishermen, they told the RDO that the boats should be released only after the end of annual fishing ban period that extends from April 15 and June 15.

However, Mr. Prabhu continued his talks to ensure the release of the boats. The RDO shifted the detained fishermen from the fishing harbour to a marriage hall to ensure their safety. During the talks, Mr. Prabhu said the Thoothukudi fishermen had no right over the fish in the detained boats. Any attempt to take them would lead to registration of case of robbery, he cautioned.

Even though they agreed to release the boats and the fishermen, they did not keep their promise given to the RDO to precipitate the situation further. Talks continued till Wednesday night for ensuring the release of the boats and the fishermen.