Indonesian fishing boats run aground

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Three Indonesian fishing boats have been detained by the Nicobar India Marine Patrol because they entered the country's territory illegally, Antara reported yesterday.

"I was told by a friend three days ago that my husband was arrested on the Andaman-Nicobar Island," said Adrina, the wife of the Meuraxa boat skipper, here yesterday.

The three boats which reportedly went aground on the island are the Meuraxa, with a crew of three, the Bintang Mas and the Barakuda.

According to Adrina, her husband departed on Nov. 11 and was scheduled to return on Nov. 16. "I think they ran out of provisions," Adrina said.

The local marine police said they had not been informed about the incident, but promised to investigate.

Andaman-Nicobar Island is an Indian state with a population of approximately 188,254 people. Cases of Aceh fishing ships going aground on Andaman and Nicobar Island are reported every year.