Eighteen fishermen from Karaikal, who were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy earlier this month, were reunited with their families yesterday after being released from Sri Lankan custody.

Following diplomatic efforts by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, the fishermen were released last week. They arrived at Chennai International Airport last evening. Officials from the Karaikal Fisheries Department facilitated their safe return to Karaikal, where they were handed over to their families. The fishermen were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy on the 2nd of this month for allegedly crossing the maritime boundary.