Hundreds of Tamil Nadu fishermen working along Iran’s coastline are gripped by fear and anxiety as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate. Approximately 2,000 fishermen — mostly from Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli — are reportedly stranded, desperate to return home as the situation worsens.
Fishing zones around Kish Island and Asalu Lava Island are popular destinations for Tamil fishermen due to the promise of higher incomes — often between ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh per month — and technologically advanced boats. Many stay at sea for weeks at a time, working in difficult but rewarding conditions.
Of the stranded fishermen, about 1,000 are from Kanyakumari, and 200 from regions like Idinthakarai, Uvari, Koodatpulli, Koonthankuzhi, Michael Nagar, and George Nagar in Tirunelveli district. Their families have now appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to step in for a coordinated rescue effort.
One fisherman, Zion from Tirunelveli, spoke from Kish Island saying, “We are nearly 700 here. We’ve stopped going to sea. The fear of an airstrike is real. Authorities asked us to stay indoors. We just want to return.”
Though Indian embassy officials have been in touch and discussed plans involving a bus route through Afghanistan, Zion expressed concern: “They warned they wouldn’t be responsible if anything happens en route. Some of us don’t even have passports.”
Families have submitted petitions to Tirunelveli Collector Sukumar via Speaker Appavu. The Collector has asked for complete lists of those stranded. Embassy officials have also assured that efforts are ongoing to facilitate a safe return.