Missing fishermen found in SLN custody

[TamilNet, Monday, 14 March 2005, 16:22 GMT]
Fishermen, Mr.Sivaraj Pirabu (24) and Mr.Joseph Iruthayathas (38), who went missing after going out fishing in Kankesanturai (KKS) sea were found in the custody of Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), civil sources said. The SLN said the fishermen were arrested for straying into the high security zone (HSZ) in Kankesanthurai Sea.

Both fishermen left on Saturday in a catamaran for fishing. The SLN arrested them alleging that they had strayed inside the HSZ in Senthankulam, close to KKS naval base, naval sources said.

Relatives of these two fishermen were told Monday about their arrest through Valvettithurai Police.

Both fishermen were handed over to the Point Pedro Police by the SLN. Relatives were allowed to see these fishermen Monday night in Point Pedro police station.

Both would be produced in Point Pedro court Tuesday morning, police said.