Four mid-sea attacks off T.N. coast: 14 Nagapattinam fishermen assaulted by Sri Lankan nationals, equipment looted

Image used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit: M. Moorthy

In a series of separate mid-sea incidents on Friday (May 2, 2025), at least 14 fishermen from Nagapattinam district were allegedly attacked by Sri Lankan nationals, who came in multiple boats and assaulted them with iron rods, knives, PVC pipes, and bamboo poles. Several of the injured were admitted to the Nagapattinam Government Medical College Hospital.

According to official sources, four attacks took place between Friday afternoon and night in the waters off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu.

In the first incident, five fishermen from Akkaraipettai, who had set out from the fishing harbour in a fibre boat at 8 a.m. on May 1, were attacked around 6 p.m. on May 2. The assault occurred 30 nautical miles southeast of the Kodiyakarai coast. Six Sri Lankan nationals in two fibre boats allegedly boarded the vessel, attacked the crew with iron knives and clubs, and looted all technical equipment on board.

Later, a fibre boat from Vellapallam carrying five fishermen was attacked around 8 p.m., while they were fishing 15 nautical miles southeast of Arukattuthurai. Six persons, part of a group of 15 Sri Lankan nationals aboard four boats, reportedly surrounded the vessel, boarded it, and assaulted the crew with PVC pipes and bamboo poles. Two Yamaha engines and other equipment were stolen.

Around the same time, the third incident occurred, with six Sri Lankan nationals in two boats attacking a fishing crew from Seruthur village. Four fishermen on board the vessel were assaulted and their equipment looted. The exact details of the items stolen were yet to be verified.

A fourth incident is currently under investigation. The fishermen involved are expected to return to shore by mid-day Saturday.

Initial reports indicate that 14 fishermen from Akkaraipettai, Vellapallam, and Seruthur were attacked approximately by 16 Sri Lankan nationals operating from four fibre boats. The Nagapattinam Marine Police have registered a case and launched an investigation.