COLOMBO, Aug 6: Eleven Indian fishermen were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy on Thursday after their fishing trawler ran aground on a coastal reef near Delft Island (Neduntheevu) in the Palk Strait, authorities said.
According to the Sri Lanka Navy, the incident occurred after the vessel reportedly entered Sri Lankan waters by crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) late on Wednesday. Officials alleged that the crew was engaged in bottom trawling when the trawler struck a reef, resulting in partial structural damage to the vessel.
A rescue team from the Sri Lanka Navy responded promptly and safely evacuated all 11 fishermen. The crew was transported to Delft Island, where further procedures are being coordinated with the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Navy spokesperson Commander Chaminda Walakuluge stated that the fishing vessel was allegedly involved in illegal fishing within Sri Lankan territorial waters before the accident occurred. Authorities also confirmed that the trawler suffered damage after grounding on the reef, although no casualties were reported.
The rescue comes just a day after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri raised the issue of detained Indian fishermen and fishing boats during discussions with Sri Lankan leaders in Colombo. He urged Sri Lanka to extend cooperation for the early release of those held in connection with cross-border fishing incidents.
The fishermen issue has remained one of the most sensitive aspects of India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations. Indian fishermen, particularly from Tamil Nadu, frequently venture into the Palk Strait, a resource-rich fishing zone that separates India and Sri Lanka. Such crossings often lead to arrests, boat seizures, and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Authorities on both sides maintain that many incidents occur due to inadvertent crossings of the maritime boundary while fishing. However, Sri Lanka has repeatedly expressed concerns over destructive fishing methods such as bottom trawling, which it says harms marine ecosystems and affects the livelihoods of local fishermen.
The latest rescue highlights both the humanitarian cooperation between the two countries during emergencies and the continuing need for a long-term solution to recurring fishing disputes in the Palk Strait.