Chennai, Aug 27 : Five fishermen, who were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy on May 26 along with 18 others, arrived at the Anna International Airport here today.

The Lankan Navy had secured 23 fishermen, hailing from Pamban near Rameswaram, and their five boats while fishing near Katchatheevu Island.

Following this, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging him to take steps for their release.

Subsequently, Sri Lanka released 18 fishermen and three boats, while five of them -- Ignatius (21), Joseph (18), Eshwaran (32), Vijayakumar (24) and Senthil Vel (30)-- were detained for interrogation.

Following requests by their family members, Mr Karunanidhi again wrote to the Prime Minister for the release of the five fishermen.

They were freed by the Lankan Navy on August seven, but shifted to a civilian camp from the military camp where they were housed earlier.

State Fisheries Department officials received them at the airport.

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