The fishermen, part of a group of about 2,500 who had put to sea early this morning in 640 boats, had to return without the daily catch, said local officials.
Nets of 30 fishermen boats were damaged allegedly by Sri Lankan naval personnel near Katchathevu islet today and they were chased back till Indian territorial waters, a Fishermen Association official said.
P Sesuraja, the Association Secretary alleged that an unusually large number of naval personnel present in the area damaged the nets and chased the fishermen till the Indian territorial waters.
The fishermen, part of a group of about 2,500 who had put to sea early this morning in 640 boats, had to return without the daily catch, he said.