Traveler Arrested in India: An American man was arrested for illegally entering North Sentinel Island, home to one of the world’s most isolated communities. The 24-year-old, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, traveled 40 kilometers across the ocean using an inflatable motorized boat and GPS navigation.

Traveler Arrested in India: Violation of Protected Laws

Authorities confirmed that Polyakov’s visit on March 29 violated strict laws protecting the Sentinelese community. His actions put both his life and the well-being of the group at risk. The island has been off-limits to outsiders since 1996, with Indian Navy patrols enforcing a five-nautical-mile exclusion zone.

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Traveler Arrested in India: Details of the Unauthorized Visit

Polyakov arrived in Port Blair on March 26 and carefully planned his expedition. On March 29, he set sail from Kurma Dera beach and reached the northeastern shore of North Sentinel Island. He attempted to gain attention by blowing a whistle. After receiving no response for an hour, he stepped ashore briefly, left a soft drink can and a coconut as offerings, collected sand samples, and recorded a video before departing.

Investigation and Legal Actions

When he returned to the mainland, fishermen alerted authorities. Police seized his boat and camera, confirming his arrest. Investigators discovered that Polyakov has a history of unauthorized contact with protected communities. Earlier this year, he allegedly visited Baratang Island and illegally filmed members of the Jarawa community. Authorities are questioning him and hotel staff regarding his activities. A case has been filed under laws protecting aboriginal communities, and India’s foreign ministry has notified the US embassy.

Risks of External Contact

Traveler Arrested in India: Caroline Pearce, director of Survival International, strongly criticized the incident. She warned that such actions could endanger both the traveler and the Sentinelese, as they lack immunity to common diseases. It remains unclear whether the items left by Polyakov were retrieved or removed.

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