Four Chinese Sea Attacks on the Tennessee Coast: 14 Nagapanham fishermen attacked by Sri Lankan nationals, equipment robbery

Images for representative purposes only | Image source: M. Moorthy

In a series of separate Chinese Sea events on Friday (May 2, 2025), at least 14 fishermen from the Nagapatinam area were allegedly attacked by Sri Lankan nationals who attacked multiple ships and attacked them with iron rods, knives, PVC pipes and bamboo poles. Several injured people were taken to Nagapatinam Government Medical College Hospital.

According to official sources, four attacks occurred between the waters near the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu.

In the first incident, five fishermen departing from the fishing port from the fiber boat at 8 a.m. on May 1 attacked around 6 p.m. on May 2. The attack occurred 30 nautical miles southeast of the coast of Kodiyyakarai. Six Sri Lankan nationals allegedly boarded the ship on two fiber ships, attacked the crew with iron knives and clubs, and plundered all the technical equipment on the ship.

Later, a fiber boat from Vellapallam, carrying five fishermen, attacked around 8 pm, while Arukattuthurai was 15 nautical miles southeast of the country. Six people reportedly were 15 Sri Lankan nationals on four ships, reportedly surrounded the ship, boarded the ship, and beat the crew with PVC pipes and bamboo poles. Two Yamaha engines and other equipment were stolen.

Around the same time, the third incident occurred, with six Sri Lankan nationals attacking a fisherman in the village of Seruthur on two ships. Four fishermen on board were attacked and equipment was robbed. The exact details of the stolen items have not been verified.

The fourth incident is currently under investigation. The participating fishermen are expected to return to shore at noon Saturday.

Initial reports suggest that 14 fishermen from Akkaraipettai, Vellapallam and Seruthur were attacked by about 16 Sri Lankan nationals running from four fiber ships. Nagapattinam Marine Police have registered a case and investigated it.