UDUPI: A fishing boat registered in Oman with a crew hailing from Tamil Nadu was found near the St Mary’s island in the district on Tuesday. The Tamil Nadu fishermen had made a 4,000 km journey by sea to escape their employer in Oman.
The fishermen were employed by the owner of the Oman-registered boat for fishing, but he had taken away their passports and was allegedly torturing them. Scared for their lives, the fishermen made good their escape from the Oman harbour and arrived near St Mary’s island after crossing Karwar.
The fishermen had run out of diesel and food and the boat was found by local fishermen. The Indian Coast Guard, who were informed, have taken custody of the boat and the fishermen. Further investigation is under way.