What Actions Are Fishermen in TN Taking Against Mid-Sea Pirate Attacks?

Chennai, May 5 (NationPress) Fishermen using country boats in Seruthur and Vellapallam, located in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, have stayed on land for the third day in a row, protesting against a mid-sea assault reportedly conducted by Sri Lankan sea pirates.

The incident took place near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) on May 2.

Reports indicate that more than 20 fishermen from Vedaranyam, Seruthur, and Akkaraipettai, who set out in four groups, were attacked by armed individuals believed to be Sri Lankan pirates. The assailants stole fishing nets, equipment, and other valuables before escaping.

Several of the injured fishermen are currently hospitalized at Nagapattinam Government Medical College Hospital.

In response, over 600 country boats remained docked along the shoreline for the second consecutive day on Sunday, with fishermen pledging to maintain their strike until both the state and Union governments implement tangible measures to ensure their safety at sea.

DMK MP A. Raja visited the injured fishermen on Sunday, delivering relief materials and assuring them of governmental assistance.

“Tamil Nadu is fully dedicated to improving maritime security, yet the Union government must take decisive action,” he affirmed, stating that he would escalate the matter directly to the Prime Minister.

This protest coincides with the annual fishing ban along Tamil Nadu’s coastline, which lasts for 61 days and commenced on April 15. Under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983, mechanized boats and trawlers are prohibited from fishing to safeguard marine biodiversity during the peak breeding season.

Approximately 1,500 mechanized boats are currently docked at coastal jetties, with 809 stationed in Chennai alone. In Thoothukudi and Nagapattinam, over 550 mechanized boats at harbors such as Thoothukudi, Tharuvaikulam, and Vembar remain grounded.

However, traditional country boats are allowed to operate during this ban.

In light of the pirate attack, country boat fishermen in Nagapattinam have voluntarily ceased their operations for the third continuous day.

This incident highlights the escalating concerns within Tamil Nadu’s fishing communities, who have long dealt with various difficulties, including arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy for accidentally crossing the IMBL and pirate attacks.

Since January 2025, Sri Lankan authorities have apprehended 119 Indian fishermen and confiscated 16 fishing vessels.

V.P. Sesuraja, a notable leader among fishermen, expressed grave concern regarding the financial burden on the families of detained fishermen, many of whom struggle to pay the hefty fines imposed by Sri Lankan authorities.

“There is an overwhelming atmosphere of fear now. Many fishermen are reluctant to go out to sea,” he remarked.

In light of these rising tensions, fishermen’s associations are organizing extensive protests throughout Tamil Nadu’s coastal districts, demanding stronger protective measures.