Two Sri Lankan Tamils found unconscious near beach in TN's Rameswaram, rescued
India Today
Two Sri Lankan Tamils, who had fled the island nation due to the economic crisis, were found unconscious near a beach in Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram. They were later rescued.
An elderly couple from Sri Lanka was found lying unconscious in Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram on Monday. Local fishermen informed the police after they spotted the couple along with their belongings near the Gothandaramar beach.
They were identified as Sivan (82) and his wife Parameswari (75), both Sri Lankan citizens.
Marine Police officials rushed to the spot and with the assistance of the Coast Guard, the couple was taken for treatment in an ambulance.
The couple fled the island nation, due to the economic crisis, to live with their son in Rameswaram. They had boarded a boat on Sunday evening at Mannar and reached the Gothandaramar beach late last night. Not knowing where to go, the couple was left stranded on the beach and collapsed due to fatigue.
State authorities have decided to send them to Mandapam refugee camp once they are well. Rameswaram is the closest Indian city to Sri Lanka. Rameswaram is the closest point from which to reach India from Sri Lanka.
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has triggered an exodus. So far, 92 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees have crossed the sea seeking asylum in Tamil Nadu since March 22.
