17 Tamil Nadu fishermen injured as Sri Lankan pirates attack and loot equipment worth ₹10 lakh

At least 17 fishermen from Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district were injured in a violent attack reportedly carried out by Sri Lankan pirates on Friday. The incident occurred off the Coromandel coast near Kodiyakkarai, where more than 30 fishermen were out at sea in fibre boats.

According to the victims, six men in a speedboat approached them in open waters and began attacking without warning. Armed with sharp weapons, the pirates allegedly assaulted the fishermen before looting valuable fishing gear, including GPS units and nets. The stolen equipment is estimated to be worth ₹10 lakh.

The injured fishermen were rushed to the District Government Hospital for treatment upon their return. Hospital sources confirmed that most sustained injuries to the head, arms, and shoulders, with at least four of them requiring stitches for deep lacerations.

What has sparked particular concern is that the alleged attack reportedly took place within Indian territorial waters. “This happened in our waters. Our people are bleeding, and still there is no protection. This is not the first time,” said Gajendran, a fisherman from Serudhur village.

Local fishing communities have now called for immediate intervention from both the Tamil Nadu state government and the central government. They have announced a temporary strike in protest and warned of launching an indefinite agitation if the authorities fail to ensure their safety at sea.

This is not an isolated incident. In December last year, a similar attack by suspected Sri Lankan pirates left three Tamil Nadu fishermen injured. The recurrence of such assaults has escalated fears and triggered urgent demands for enhanced maritime patrols and diplomatic action.