Madurai: A fishing boat that set sail from Rameswaram on Saturday morning for a routine fishing expedition encountered unexpected challenges, returning with hull damage that fishermen claim resulted from a collision with a Sri Lankan navy ship near the Katchatheevu islet.
Over 500 fishing trawlers embarked on their journey from the Rameswaram fishing jetty on Saturday, and upon their return on Sunday morning, the vessel owned by Susai Rayappan displayed significant damage on its port side, including a broken hull and damages to the wheelhouse.
According to the crew members, the incident occurred while they were fishing in the vicinity of the Katchatheevu islet on Saturday night, alleging that a Sri Lankan patrol vessel collided with their fishing craft.
The impact of the collision resulted in injuries to the vessel’s master, Muthupandi, 37, who suffered bruises on his back. The Coastal Security Group (Marine) police stationed at Mandapam, along with fisheries officials in Rameswaram, are actively investigating the serious allegations made by the fishermen.