Around 593 fishermen from Tamil Nadu working in Iran and neighbouring West Asian countries are stranded due to the ongoing regional conflict, officials said
Families of the fishermen have expressed growing concern about their relatives’ safety. Representational Pic/File
Hundreds of Tamil Nadu fishermen stranded in Iran amid West Asia war that began after the US-Israel joint attack on Iran and have asked for Centre's help in their rescue.
According to the IANS, around 593 fishermen from Tamil Nadu working in Iran and neighbouring West Asian countries are stranded due to the ongoing regional conflict, officials said.
Most of these fishermen come from coastal districts such as Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram and Cuddalore, where overseas fishing has become a key source of livelihood.
Families of the fishermen have expressed growing concern about their relatives’ safety, though officials note that no direct distress calls have been received from the stranded workers.
Ports and airports temporarily closed
The situation has worsened as the Iran government has temporarily closed ports and airports due to the conflict, severely limiting the movement of people in and out of the country. These restrictions mean that evacuation operations are currently not possible, according to the IANS.
The Indian Embassy in Iran is closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary assistance. Helpline numbers and email contacts have been circulated to ensure stranded Indians can communicate with embassy officials.
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) March 9, 2026
Families approach madras high court
The issue has reached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, following petitions filed by relatives of two fishermen from Kanniyakumari — R. Sahaya Jenish Raj and J. Judelin — who are reported to be stranded in Iran, the news agency reported.
During hearings, the Union government informed the court that evacuation is not feasible due to the closure of air and sea routes, but assured that the embassy is extending all necessary support to the stranded fishermen. The court advised petitioners to provide full details of the fishermen to the embassy and then disposed of the petitions, according to the IANS.
MP appeals for rescue of stranded fishermen
In parallel, Tirunelveli MP C. Robert Bruce met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi and urged the Centre to take steps to rescue 43 fishermen from Idinthakarai village who are believed to be stranded in Iran, as per the IANS.
Officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department emphasised that the state government is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Indian Embassy to provide assistance. Families have been kept informed and are encouraged to stay in touch with embassy contacts until evacuation or safe return becomes feasible.
(with IANS inputs)
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