CHENNAI: Nine fishermen, who were arrested by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, were released and returned to Chennai on Tuesday night.

The fishermen from Rameswaram had ventured into the sea on July 22. While they were fishing around midnight, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard surrounded their boat.

The Sri Lankan authorities arrested all nine fishermen, claiming that they had crossed the maritime boundary and entered Sri Lankan waters. Their fishing boat, nets, and catch were also seized.

The arrested fishermen were produced before the court and remanded in prison.

Following a request from the families of the fishermen, the State and Central governments took steps to secure their release. Indian Embassy officials in Sri Lanka held discussions with Sri Lankan authorities regarding the issue. Later, the nine fishermen were released and handed over to Indian officials in Sri Lanka.

The officials made arrangements for their return to India and provided them with flight tickets.

Fisheries Department received them and arranged a government vehicle to transport all back to Rameswaram

The fishermen arrived from Colombo in Chennai on an IndiGo flight on Tuesday night. Officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department received them and arranged a government vehicle to transport all nine fishermen back to Rameswaram.