Families of 25 Maldivian fishermen detained by Indian maritime authorities have issued an urgent public appeal to the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pleading for diplomatic intervention to secure the swift release and repatriation of their relatives following their arrest at sea.
The fishermen, who were operating aboard a commercial tuna longliner originating from a southern atoll, were intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard off the coast of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep after their vessel encountered adverse monsoon weather and drifted into neighboring territorial waters.
Unintentional border crossing during stormy seas
According to representatives of the vessel’s owners and family spokespersons, the fishing boat experienced severe squalls, engine technical difficulties, and poor navigational visibility, resulting in unintentional drift across maritime boundary lines:
"Our family members were simply pursuing their honest livelihood as commercial fishermen when harsh weather caused their vessel to drift. They are innocent breadwinners, and we appeal to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and foreign ministry diplomats to expedite their safe return home," an emotional family representative stated.
The crew members are currently detained under Indian maritime and immigration statutes while judicial authorities in Kochi and Kavaratti conduct preliminary investigations into the unauthorized entry.
Active diplomatic communications
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it has been formally notified of the detention and is liaising with the Indian High Commission in Malé and the Maldivian High Commission in New Delhi to ensure the welfare of the detained fishermen.
Diplomatic officials stated that consular access has been requested to verify the physical health, food supply, and legal representation of the 25 crew members. The government assured families that bilateral diplomatic channels are actively being pursued to facilitate administrative repatriation and vessel release in accordance with humanitarian conventions governing distressed mariners.
