A group of twelve youths, including three from Mannar who were preparing to set a world record by swimming from Dhanuskodi to Thalaimannar, were apprehended by India Coast Guard officers. They were released yesterday (23), following the intervention of the Deputy High Commissioner of India in Jaffna.
The swimmers had obtained the necessary permissions from both the Government of India and the Government of Sri Lanka for their world record attempt and had also been allowed to have supporters accompany them during training.
However, while practicing in Dhanushkodi waters, they were detained by Indian Coast Guard officials, who initially hesitated to accept their permits.
The Coast Guard officers suspected that the group might be attempting to enter India as refugees from Sri Lanka or engage in illegal smuggling activities.
To resolve the situation, the youths provided the necessary information to the Deputy High Commissioner of India in Jaffna, who facilitated their release. All twelve individuals and their three boats were subsequently allowed to continue their training and world record attempt.
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