Fishermen Allege Deliberate Ramming by Sri Lankan Naval Vessel

Fishermen from Nagapattinam district claim a Sri Lankan Naval vessel intentionally rammed into their fishing boat, causing it to capsize and damaging equipment worth lakhs. Four fishermen were thrown into the sea and sustained injuries. Despite being provided life jackets, the fishermen struggled to rescue their capsized boat.

Fishermen from Nagapattinam district have accused a Sri Lankan Naval vessel of intentionally ramming into their fishing boat, causing it to capsize and resulting in injuries and significant financial losses.

According to fishermen, including Sakthivel, they were fishing near the Kodiyakkarai coast on September 10 when the incident occurred. The foreign vessel signalled them to slow down, and while they complied, the Naval boat rammed into their boat, causing it to capsize. The fishermen were thrown into the sea, entangled in fishing nets, and sustained injuries.

Their fishing equipment, worth approximately Rs 6.5 lakh, including GPS devices and ice-boxes, was damaged. Despite the ordeal, the Lankan Naval personnel provided life jackets, and the fishermen were eventually rescued by other fishers. After hours of struggle, they managed to recover their capsized boat.

(With inputs from agencies.)