Udupi, Karnataka – Three fishermen from Tamil Nadu were apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard and Coastal Security Police (CSP) near St. Mary’s Island, approximately eight nautical miles off the Udupi coast. Their capture came after they embarked on a perilous journey across the Arabian Sea to escape alleged mistreatment by their employer in Oman. The men, identified as James Franklin Moses (50) from Ramanathapuram, Robinston (50) from Thirunelveli, and Derose Alphonso (38) from Tirunelveli city, had been working legally in Oman but claimed they were subjected to exploitative conditions, including passport confiscation, withheld wages, and lack of adequate food.
Escape from Oman
According to statements made by the fishermen, their ordeal began when their employer in Oman seized their passports and refused to pay them their due wages. With mounting fears for their safety and well-being, the three men made a desperate decision to flee. On February 17, around 3 p.m., they departed from Duqm port in eastern Oman on a small fishing vessel, determined to reach India despite the risks involved. Armed with little more than a basic GPS device for navigation, they embarked on a journey spanning nearly 4,000 kilometers across the Arabian Sea.
The fishermen had initially traveled to Oman through legitimate channels with the hope of securing better livelihoods for their families back in Tamil Nadu. However, they alleged that the promises made by their employer were far from reality. Their work conditions deteriorated rapidly, with the employer allegedly not only confiscating their travel documents but also limiting their access to adequate food and shelter. Their families in Tamil Nadu, left with no information about their well-being, grew increasingly anxious as weeks passed without communication.
A Dangerous Journey Across the Arabian Sea
For six days, the fishermen navigated the open sea, battling high tides and unpredictable weather. Their vessel was not designed for such long-distance travel, making the journey all the more dangerous. Surviving on limited provisions and relying solely on the GPS device, the trio managed to cross the Arabian Sea, reaching the Indian coast near Karwar, Karnataka.
As they progressed southward along the coast, their vessel was spotted by local fishermen near St. Mary’s Island on February 23, around 4:30 p.m. Suspicious of the foreign vessel, the local fishermen promptly alerted the Coastal Security Police in Malpe. Responding swiftly, the CSP, in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, intercepted the vessel and detained the three men for questioning.
Upon inspection, officials discovered that the fishermen were without valid travel documents or passports. Their accounts of escaping from an abusive employer in Oman were met with caution, prompting authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into their claims.
Legal Consequences and Charges
Following their detention, the fishermen were produced before a court in Udupi on February 24 and were subsequently remanded to judicial custody. Authorities have booked them under Section 3 of the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, which penalizes entry into India without valid documents. Additionally, they were charged under Sections 10, 11, and 12 of the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1981, for violations pertaining to unauthorized maritime entry.
Despite the charges, the fishermen’s ordeal has garnered sympathy, with several advocacy groups calling for a humanitarian approach to their case. Legal experts have pointed out that while the charges are applicable, the extenuating circumstances of their escape from alleged abuse should be considered during their trial.
Verification of Identity and Nationality
Coastal Security Police Superintendent Mithun H.N. clarified that preliminary investigations suggest there is no terror angle to the incident. He confirmed that the fishermen had traveled to Oman legally, which their Aadhaar and other digital documents have validated. The CSP’s verification of their Indian nationality has ruled out any suspicions of them being foreign infiltrators.
Local authorities have stated that they are in touch with the Tamil Nadu state government to facilitate further investigation and possibly arrange for the fishermen’s repatriation. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Fishermen’s Association has urged the central government to intervene, emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts to address cases of labor exploitation in Gulf countries.
The Plight of Indian Workers in the Gulf
The fishermen’s harrowing experience has brought to light the larger issue of Indian laborers facing exploitation in Gulf countries. Thousands of Indian workers, especially from coastal states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, migrate to the Gulf each year seeking better economic opportunities. However, cases of contract violations, passport confiscation, and wage withholding are alarmingly common.
Migrant rights activists argue that the Indian government must strengthen its labor diplomacy with Gulf nations to safeguard its citizens abroad. They also stress the need for pre-departure orientation and legal assistance for workers to ensure they are aware of their rights and recourse options in foreign lands.
Community Response and Vigilance
The local fisherman who first reported the Omani vessel’s presence is being hailed as a hero for his vigilance. Coastal authorities have praised his prompt action, which prevented a potentially serious security breach. In recognition of his alertness, local authorities are planning to felicitate him publicly.
This incident has also prompted security agencies along the Karnataka coast to ramp up patrolling and surveillance efforts. The Coast Guard has issued an advisory for fishermen to report any suspicious vessels or activities promptly to prevent unauthorized entries along India’s extensive coastline.
Calls for Diplomatic Action
Several political leaders in Tamil Nadu have called upon the Ministry of External Affairs to initiate a formal inquiry into the conditions faced by Indian workers in Oman. They argue that unless the root causes of such exploitation are addressed diplomatically, more desperate attempts to escape may follow.
The Indian government, on its part, has assured that it is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. Officials hinted at the possibility of raising the issue of worker exploitation with the Omani government through diplomatic channels.
Conclusion
The capture of these three fishermen underscores the extreme risks that Indian workers are sometimes compelled to take to escape exploitation in foreign countries. As the investigation proceeds, their fate now rests with the Indian judicial system. Meanwhile, their plight serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger protections for Indian workers abroad and the urgency of addressing the root causes of such human rights violations.
