Ship sent to bring back Tamil Nadu men from Iran

Chennai

“A ship from Mumbai has left to Iran to rescue 673 stranded fishermen in Iran. The ship will reach Thoothukudi Port with the stranded fishermen in a week’s time,” Fisheries Director GS Sameeran told DT Next.

As many as 673 fishermen from various parts of the State, who were working in Iran before the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, were struck in Iran as they were not allowed to return to the country. As no transport facilities were available, fishermen were forced to stay back.

However, the State government, in coordination with the Centre and Indian Embassy in Iran, managed to supply food, medicine and shelter for the fishermen and assured them that steps would be taken to bring them back to Tamil Nadu.

As assured, the State government has arranged a naval ship to rescue the fishermen from Iran. “40 odd fishermen from Kerala who were struck in Iran will also be brought back to Thoothukudi,” said Sameeran.

So far, the State government has rescued Tamil Nadu fishermen stranded in Maldives, Sri Lanka and even from Andaman and Nicobar islands. “160 fishermen from Andaman and Nicobar islands were rescued and brought back to Tamil Nadu during the lockdown. However, the major chunk of fishermen from Tamil Nadu were stranded in Iran and now they will also be taken back home,” said Sameeran.

He also said that still some Tamil Nadu fishermen are left stranded in the UAE, but since they are not willing to return, the State government is working to bring fishermen who are willing to return to Tamil Nadu.