Tamil fisherman who went to seas disappears, suspected to have been killed

A Tamil fisherman from the Thirthakari area in the Mullaitivu District has gone missing after setting out to sea on the night of June 18, prompting growing fears among local residents and the fishing community that he may have been killed by individuals involved in illegal fishing operations.

The missing individual has been identified as 62-year-old Vincentipol Antranikarunal, also known as Arumai, a resident of Thirthakari, Silawat. He had gone to sea for fishing on Tuesday night and did not return. A father of three, Arumai had previously lost five of his children in the 2004 tsunami and was known to be continuing his livelihood through fishing.

Early the next morning, fellow fishermen at sea discovered that Arumai’s boat was drifting alone without him onboard. They informed his relatives and brought the boat ashore. However, there was no trace of the fisherman himself.

Fishermen who inspected the vessel reported signs that it may have been struck by another boat. According to a complaint filed at the Mullaitivu Police Station by Arumai’s brother, there were blood stains and damage near the boat’s engine, adding to suspicions of foul play.

The incident has intensified fears within the Mullaitivu fishing community about ongoing threats posed by illegal fishing activities in the region. For years, local fishermen have raised concerns over the presence of illegal Sinhala-speaking fishermen, both from the southern parts of the island and from the nearby Pulmottai area, who are reportedly using banned and destructive methods such as light-assisted fishing, dynamo fishing, and other illicit techniques.

These illegal practices have caused repeated tensions and confrontations with Mullaitivu’s Tamil fishermen, who rely on traditional and sustainable fishing methods. Local communities have long accused these outside groups of exploiting resources, damaging marine ecosystems, and undermining the livelihoods of northern fishermen.

In light of these ongoing conflicts, many in the community suspect that Arumai may have encountered illegal fishers at sea and was possibly attacked and thrown overboard.

Despite efforts by local fishermen including a coordinated search involving eight boats the following morning but no further evidence of the missing man has been found. Local fishermen continue to call for stronger enforcement against illegal fishing in the region and greater protection for their communities.