Can Kanyakumari MP's Urgent Appeal to MEA Rescue 650 Stranded Fishermen from Iran's Kish Island?

Chennai, July 3 (NationPress) The Member of Parliament representing Kanyakumari, Vijay Vasanth, has urgently reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the prompt evacuation of over 650 Indian fishermen stranded near Kish Island in Iran amidst the ongoing regional conflict.

In a correspondence directed to M. Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary in the PAI Division of the MEA, which oversees issues related to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, the MP outlined the critical circumstances faced by these fishermen.

The letter, dated July 3, indicates that the fishermen—predominantly from Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu—are grappling with severe shortages of food and essential supplies.

The intensifying Israel-Iran conflict has heightened their vulnerability, causing significant distress among their families back home who are anxious about their safety and health.

“These individuals are encountering grave challenges, including an acute lack of food and vital supplies, which has led to escalating panic among them,” the letter stated.

Vasanth has assured the MEA that the location and contact information of the stranded individuals have been communicated to Indian officials.

Antony Shaju, who provided an Iranian contact number, has been appointed as the main point of contact for further coordination. He also noted that officials from the Indian Embassy in Iran had recently visited the group to evaluate their condition.

Referring to the situation as “deteriorating,” the MP urged the MEA to promptly arrange essential food supplies and facilitate the safe and urgent return of the fishermen to India.

He emphasized that timely intervention in this humanitarian crisis would provide considerable relief to those affected and their concerned families.

Reports indicate that over 1,000 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, primarily from Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi districts, had been engaged in fishing in Iran on contract, especially around the Kish Island port. Many of them come from small fishing communities and sought better opportunities abroad.

However, with the outbreak of war between Israel and Iran, fishing operations have been halted. Although the conflict has calmed, conditions across the Iranian border remain precarious and perilous for fishermen attempting to resume work.

Currently, more than 650 fishermen are trapped on motorboats near Kish Island, with no means to fish or even disembark for food.

Vijay Vasanth's appeal has drawn renewed focus on the safety of Indian citizens in conflict-affected areas, and sources within the MEA confirmed that the situation is being addressed urgently.

The Indian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the evacuation strategy.