Nine Indian fishermen, detained by the Sri Lankan Navy after they strayed into the neighbouring country's maritime territory following a technical snag in their boats, were today brought back to Mandapam by the Coast Guard on being set free by the authorities there.

A Coast Guard ship repatriated the fishermen along with their two boats from the International Maritime Boundary Line in the Palk Strait, an official release said here.

The two fishing boats with the crew members ventured into sea from Rameswaram on January 21 but did not return as scheduled the next day.

After it was reported that the boats had drifted to Sri Lankan waters due to engine breakdown, the Indian Coast Guard Station at Mandapam sent a message through its headquarters to Lankan authorities requesting them to assist the stranded fishermen and ensure their early repatriation.

Accordingly, the fishermen and the boats were handed over to the coast guard at the IMBL. The fishermen were provided with food and water by the coast guard personnel and stated to be in good health when they arrived at Mandapam.

Tags: Coast Guard, coast guard at the IMBL, Palk Strait, Sri Lankan Navy

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