IRNA – Indian officials announced on Tuesday that Iran has released 15 Indian fishermen who had been detained in the country since December 2016.

The 15 fishermen were working for fishing vessels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and detained in the Iranian southern island of Kish .

According to Time of India newspaper, the fishermen ventured on a fishing expedition in three boats from Dubai in December 2016, but were apprehended by Iran naval forces on charges of trespassing.

After inquiry, the fishermen along with their boats were detained in Kish Island in Iran. Since then, the families of these fishermen have been petitioning the district administration seeking the state and central governments' help in securing their release.

After the owner of the fishing vessels paid the penalty amount, Iranian authorities allowed the Indian fishermen to leave the country.

In April 2017, Iran released 15 Indian fishermen who had been detained in the country since October 20, 2016.

The fishermen were working for a Bahraini company and were captured due to illegal entry into Iran’s waters.