Maldives releases 11 Indian fishermen

MALE: Eleven Indian fishermen apprehended by Maldivian Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line have been released and handed over to the officials of the High Commission of India, police said today.

All the fishermen, who were held at Haa Dhaal Atoll, Island of Kulhudhuffushi, were released and handed over to the High Commission of India on Thursday, Media official of Maldives Police Service Ahmed Shiyam said.

The move followed a request from the Indian External Affairs Ministry for the fishermen's release.

The fishermen from Kanyakumari district are expected to return home in a couple of days.

They had put out to sea off the Kerala coast last week and were to return ashore on February 25. Due to a snag, their boat entered into the waters of Maldives.

In view of the Indian government's request, the Maldivian officials have not filed any case against the fishermen.