The Joint Secretary-Fisheries
Gocernment of India
Ministry of Agriculture
Krishi Bhavan
New Delhi
Dear Sir,
Sub: Request for the immediate release of three deep sea fishing boats and 26 fishermen from Bangladesh reg.
We would like to urgently bring to your notice that three deep sea fishing boats named Ave Maria-IND-TN-15-MM-314, Annai-TN2/FV/00501/07 and Sea Mary-TN2/FV/01261/10 belonging to the Thoothoor area of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, along with their crews of 26 fishermen were taken into custody by the Bangladesh Coastal Authorities, while they were fishing on 7th December 2014. These deep sea fishermen from the Thoothoor area are migrants; they operate along the entire coastal line of India’s east and west coasts for fishing. It should be noted that fishing is their only source of livelihood. Most of the time, the income they earn from fishing is just sufficient to meet their operational expenses. The family members of the 26 fishermen are facing extreme distress for the past one week as, without income, they are threatened with starvation.
On behalf of Association of Deep Sea Going Artisanal Fishermen, I request that you take the necessary action to secure the release of the 26 fishermen along with their boats at the earliest possible date. The details of the boats and fishermen are given below.
We urgently solicit your co-operation and assistance.
Thanking you and with regards,
J.Vincent Jain
Chief Executive