The victims stated they were fishing well within Indian territorial waters when the pirates carried out the unprovoked and violent attacks. The stolen gear and catch are valued at approximately ₹10 lakh
Published May 03, 2025 | 8:56 PM ⚊ Updated May 03, 2025 | 8:56 PM
Indian fishermen at work.
Synopsis: A wave of brutal attacks by suspected Sri Lankan sea pirates on Tamil Nadu fishermen has left 17 injured and several stranded. Over 30 fishermen from Nagapattinam were assaulted in back-to-back incidents, sparking fear and anger in coastal villages. Victims were beaten with iron rods and knives, and their gear, GPS devices, and catch were looted mid-sea
A series of violent attacks by suspected Sri Lankan sea pirates on Tamil Nadu fishermen has left at least 17 injured and several others reportedly stranded at sea.
The latest assaults, targeting fishing crews from Nagapattinam district, have triggered outrage and fear along the coastal villages of the state.
According to reports, over 30 fishermen were attacked in back-to-back incidents over the past two days. In one such case, five fishermen from Akkaraipettai — Anand (boat owner), Murali, Saminathan, Vetrivel, and Anbarasan — were fishing southeast of Kodiakkarai when they were intercepted by a high-speed boat carrying six armed men.
The assailants, allegedly Sri Lankan pirates, beat the crew with iron rods and knives, before looting their fishing nets, GPS equipment, and catch.
Similar attacks were also reported on fishermen from Seruthur and Vellapallam villages. In all, 17 injured fishermen have been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Orathur, while several others remain at sea, unable to return due to loss of navigation equipment.
Victims claimed they were operating well within Indian territorial waters when the pirates launched the “unprovoked and brutal” assaults. The total value of stolen gear and catch is estimated to be around ₹10 lakh.
Fishermen’s associations and local leaders have demanded immediate intervention from both the Tamil Nadu and Union governments. “We need urgent action to ensure the safety of our coastal communities,” said a representative of the Nagapattinam Fishermen’s Association. “Our people are under constant threat. How long can this go on?”
Authorities are yet to confirm the identity of the attackers, but increased patrols and diplomatic engagement with Sri Lanka are being urged as the fishing community reels from the trauma.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
