Thoothukudi mechanised vessel fishermen go on indefinite strike

THOOTHUKUDI: Mechanised fishing vessels fishermen of Thoothukudi harbour went on indefinite strike condemning inaction on their request to withdraw FIR registered against 11 vessel owners and 60 fishermen for attacking Kanniyakumari fishermen midsea.

In March 2024, Thoothukudi fishermen saw Kanniyakumari fishermen, who were fishing in the Thoothukudi seaside during night hours, over 30 nautical miles off the Vembar Coast. The Thoothukudi fishers attacked them midsea at night, seized six mechanised vessels and took in 86 fishermen belonging to various fishing harbours of Kanniyakumari district.

The Thoothukudi fishermen who venture on trawlers, were upset as they are not let into the sea for stay or at night for fishing, while Kanniyakumari trawl fishers were fishing. The Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983 does not permit night or stay or multi-day fishing for trawlers operated from any fishing harbours.