Maldives detains 25 Thoothukudi fishermen: India-Maldives maritime issue and 3 mechanised boats seized

Direct fact

On 13 October 2026, the Maldives Navy detained 25 fishermen from Tharuvaikulam in Thoothukudi district and seized 3 gill-net mechanised boats near the Maldives area, making it a fresh India–Maldives maritime incident.

Key specifics

• 3 gill-net mechanised boats left Tharuvaikulam coast on 1 October 2026 for deep-sea fishing.
• 25 fishermen were detained by the Maldives Navy on 13 October 2026.
• The boats belonged to Rameshkumar, Michael Jangar, and Susaibakkiyam of Thoothukudi district.
• One boat carried 9 men, another 8 men, and the third 8 men, including fishermen from Tharuvaikulam, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Vembar, and Puducherry.
• The fishermen and boats were taken to the Maldives along with nets and fish, and families urged the Central and State governments to secure their release.

Exam lens

Question type: International relations and Tamil Nadu coastal economy, 25 fishermen, 3 boats, 1 October departure, 13 October detention, Maldives Navy; TNPSC may ask which country detained Indian fishermen and from which district they sailed.