An American tourist was arrested in India for attempting to enter North Sentinel Island, a restricted area inhabited by an isolated tribe. The 24-year-old man attempted to visit the island, known for its inhabitants who avoid all contact with the outside world, by journeying about 35 kilometers into the open sea. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where the incident occurred, are off India’s southeastern coast.
The tourist, who allegedly traveled via an inflatable boat, landed briefly on the shore to leave offerings of a can of Diet Coke and a coconut before returning to his boat. His actions violated the restriction that forbids both Indians and foreign nationals from coming within five kilometers of the island to protect the Indigenous people and preserve their way of life.
The incident was recorded on the tourist’s GoPro camera, capturing his entrance and brief landing on the restricted island. Following his arrest, he appeared before a local court and is currently in a three-day remand for further questioning.
Police revealed that prior attempts were made by the tourist to visit the island, first using an inflatable kayak in October 2024, which was stopped by hotel staff, and a second attempt in January 2025. The latest attempt involved using a whistle to draw attention before leaving the offerings and collecting sand samples without making contact with the tribe.
The consequences for this action are yet to be determined. The Andaman Islands are also home to another tribe, the Jarawa, who face similar threats from outside contact. Advocates for indigenous rights express concern about the vulnerability of these isolated communities to common external diseases, which could have devastating effects.
In 2018, an American missionary was killed by the Sentinelese people after attempting to land on their island. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold strategic significance for India, situated near Myanmar and along key shipping routes. The Indian government has plans to develop the archipelago, including the establishment of air and naval bases.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/us-tourist-arrested-for-entering-forbidden-indian-island/a-72147167?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
