Chennai, March 12 (NationPress) A significant number of fishermen from Tamil Nadu, primarily engaged in employment in West Asian nations, especially in Iran, find themselves stranded due to the ongoing conflict that has disrupted both transportation and maritime activities.

As tensions rise, families residing in the coastal areas of the state are increasingly worried about the safety of their loved ones who work on fishing boats and in related maritime sectors abroad.

Officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department report that approximately 593 fishermen from the state are currently employed in Iran and its neighboring countries. Many of these individuals come from coastal districts such as Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, and Cuddalore, where overseas fishing jobs provide essential livelihoods.

While no direct distress signals have been received from the fishermen themselves, their families are anxiously seeking updates as the situation becomes more dire with each passing day. A senior official from the fisheries department stated, “We have not yet gotten any direct calls for help from the fishermen. Only their families have expressed their worries. The state government is vigilantly monitoring the situation and is committed to doing all it can.”

The predicament has intensified as the Iranian government has temporarily shut down its ports and airports due to the ongoing hostilities, significantly limiting movement in and out of the country. This situation has made current evacuation operations impossible.

The Indian Embassy in Iran is actively overseeing the situation and is providing necessary assistance to Indian citizens caught in this predicament. Helpline numbers and email contacts have been shared to facilitate communication for those needing support.

The matter has also reached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court through petitions filed by the relatives of two fishermen from Kanniyakumari district—R. Sahaya Jenish Raj and J. Judelin—who are reportedly stranded in Iran.

During the court proceedings, the Union government informed that evacuation is currently impractical due to the closure of air and sea routes, but assured that the Indian Embassy is extending necessary help to stranded citizens.

After acknowledging the government's submission, the court concluded the petitions and suggested that the petitioners provide comprehensive details about the fishermen to the embassy.

Meanwhile, Tirunelveli MP C. Robert Bruce met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Tuesday and urged the government to take action to rescue 43 fishermen from Idinthakarai village who are believed to be stranded in Iran.