43 Tamil Nadu Fishermen Stranded In Iran As Conflict Disrupts Evacuation Efforts

Many of the stranded fishermen are from coastal districts such as Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram and Cuddalore, where overseas fishing employment has become an important source of livelihood.

Officials said no direct distress calls have been received from the fishermen so far, but their families have been seeking information as news of the conflict continues to dominate global headlines.

“So far, we have not received any direct distress calls from the fishermen. Only their families have raised concerns. The state government is closely monitoring the situation and doing everything possible within its capacity,” a senior fisheries department official said.

The situation has become more complicated after the Iranian government temporarily shut its ports and airports due to the ongoing conflict, severely restricting the movement of people in and out of the country. Because of these restrictions, officials cannot conduct evacuation operations at present.

Officials said the Embassy of India in Iran is closely monitoring the situation and providing assistance to Indian citizens stranded in the country.

Helpline numbers and email contacts have circulated for Indians in the region to stay in touch with embassy officials.

The issue has also reached the Madras High Court through petitions filed by relatives of two fishermen from Kanniyakumari district, R Sahaya Jenish Raj and J Judelin, reportedly stranded in Iran.

During the hearing, the Union government informed the court that evacuation is currently not feasible due to the closure of air and sea routes, but assured that the embassy is providing necessary assistance to stranded Indians.

After recording the submission, the court disposed of the petitions and advised the petitioners to share complete details of the fishermen with the embassy.

Political Intervention

Tirunelveli MP C Robert Bruce met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Tuesday and urged the Centre to take steps to rescue 43 fishermen from Idinthakarai village stranded in Iran.

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