Watch: Indian Coast Guard detains Iranian boat off Kerala, six Indian fishermen rescued

The Indian Coast Guard on Monday (May 6) ‘intercepted and detained’ an Iranian vessel off the coast of Kerala with six Indian nationals on board. The six fishermen were employed on a contractual basis by an Iranian sponsor named Syed Saud Ansari. The Indian Coast Guard in a post on X said all the men accused their Iranian bosses of maltreatment and not providing them with basic, essential living conditions. The vessel has now been brought to Kochi and an investigation has been launched.

“Indian Coast Guard in a swift sea-air coordinated operation intercepts & detains Iranian fishing vessel in Arabian Sea west off Kerala coast with 6 Indian crew employed on contractual basis at Iran,” the coast guard wrote on X.

“Crew alleges exploitation & mistreatment by the boat owner. The boat has been brought to Kochi for further investigation. Upholding maritime security & welfare ICG demonstrates unwavering commitment,” the agency added.

All fishermen are believed to be from Kanyakumari in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They alleged that their passports had also been confiscated. Some reports said they were not even being paid their salaries. As per reports, their boat ran out of fuel midway and became stuck off Koyilandy, a town in Kerala. 

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The crew then decided to escape from Iran and managed to reach Indian maritime territory, the ICG said.

(With inputs from agencies)