Sri Lankan fishermen took two Indian coast guards hostage on Thursday when Indian coast guards had attempted to apprehend them while fishing in Indian territorial waters.

Chairman of the Fisheries Co-operative Society, Iranamadu, Bernard Fernado said that one of his relatives was in the boat and was returning after day’s catch when the incident happened.

“What we hear is Indian navy had taken away this boat and destroyed by setting it on fire”, he said.

Deputy Fisheries Minister Neomal Perera said that Sri Lankan fishermen and the boats are safe and taken away towards Indian coast from rough seas caused by bad weather.

He said two fishermen in the boat were handed over to Sri Lankan navy and they were sailing towards Sri Lanka.

However as a result of bad weather, the navy had asked them not to proceed but the fishermen had not listened to their request, he said.

“There was poor visibility and communication had become difficult so that there was confusion. Now six boats and three fishermen who were on board the other were sent back to Chennai”, he said.

Deputy Minister Neomal Perera said Sri Lanka government had requested Indian authorities to ensure safety of the fishermen.

Chairman, Fisheries Co-operative Society, Bernand Fernando said Indian coast guards arrest local fishermen who sail in the international waters.

“They keep them in custody for six to seven months putting them and their families in difficulty”, he added.