24 Indian fishermen detained in Maldives return home after release

Twenty-four fishermen from India's Tamil Nadu state who were detained by the Maldives Coast Guard after allegedly entering Maldivian waters have returned home following their release.

The fishermen, all from Tharuvaikulam fishing village in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district, arrived in India on Sunday after travelling from the Maldives, according to Indian media reports.

Indian news outlet NewsIT reported that the fishermen were released following efforts by the Tamil Nadu government. According to Indian media, the release came after intervention by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and the state's Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Minister.

The Tamil Nadu government reportedly coordinated with India's Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission in the Maldives in efforts to secure the fishermen's release.

Indian media further reported that the Tamil Nadu government covered the fishermen's air travel expenses. Officials received the group at Thiruvananthapuram airport before arrangements were made for them to return safely to their families.

According to The Hindu, the fishermen departed Tharuvaikulam on October 1 aboard three mechanised fishing vessels for a deep-sea fishing trip. The fishermen and the three vessels were detained by Maldivian authorities on October 13 after being found inside the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone.

Earlier reports cited local fishermen as saying the vessels had drifted into Maldivian waters due to strong winds and sea currents.

At the time of publication, Maldivian authorities had not announced the release of the fishermen or provided details regarding the status of the three vessels.

The detention of foreign fishing vessels in Maldivian waters is not uncommon. Vessels from neighbouring countries, particularly India and Sri Lanka, have been intercepted over the years for illegally entering the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone.