Talks begin with Seychelles to repatriate fishermen from the destroyed trawler

• The vessel had been intercepted by Seychelles security forces on allegations of illegally crossing maritime boundaries and fishing in the Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone

The Sri Lankan Ministry of Fisheries has initiated high-level diplomatic discussions to secure the return of local fishermen currently held in the Seychelles.  

The fishermen were aboard the trawler “Eeshani Duwa”, which departed from Wennappuwa fishing harbour on December 7th 2025. The vessel had been intercepted by Seychelles security forces on allegations of illegally crossing maritime boundaries and fishing in the Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

It was reported that the boat was destroyed following the detention.  

The Ministry of Fisheries, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is negotiating with Seychelles authorities for the safe repatriation of the crew.  

This incident follows previous maritime challenges in the region, including the return of the “Lorenzo Putha 4” crew after a Somali pirate hijacking in 2024.