Colombo, August 1, 2024 — Tragedy struck early Thursday morning when a collision occurred between a Sri Lankan naval vessel and an Indian fishing boat allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters. The incident resulted in the death of one Indian fisherman and left another missing.
The collision took place approximately five nautical miles north of Katchatheevu Island and off Delft Island, according to Navy spokesperson Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya. The Sri Lankan Navy was reportedly conducting an operation aimed at deterring Indian trawlers suspected of illegal fishing when the incident occurred.
Captain Wickramasuriya stated that the Indian fishing vessel, which was carrying four fishermen, capsized due to aggressive maneuvering by the naval vessel and adverse sea conditions. “One fisherman is currently missing, and we are actively searching for him. One of the rescued fishermen was taken to Punkuduthivu Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The remaining two fishermen are reported to be in stable condition,” Wickramasuriya confirmed.
The Sri Lankan Navy has informed Indian authorities of the incident. In response, the Sri Lankan acting high commissioner was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, where a strong protest was lodged regarding the event.
The issue of fishermen trespassing into each other’s waters has long been a point of contention between India and Sri Lanka. There have been several incidents involving the Sri Lankan Navy firing at Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait, as well as seizing boats for allegedly entering Sri Lankan waters illegally. The Palk Strait, which separates Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, is a crucial fishing area for both nations, leading to frequent arrests and disputes over fishing rights.
The ongoing tensions highlight the delicate nature of maritime disputes between the two countries, with both sides grappling with issues of territorial sovereignty and resource management.
