East Godavari (Andhra Pradesh), Apr 30: A group of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees touched the Indian shores when the dinghy boat in which they had set sail, was rescued from the high seas, off the Uppada in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday.

The local fishermen found the boat with ten refugees in an unconscious state, and informed the nearby police station.

Soon after the arrival of police at the spot, the refugees were shifted to a hospital.

The refugees are reportedly very weak due to lack of food and liquid intake.

Out of the ten, two refugees who are children and three others are said to be in a critical condition.

"To escape the attacks of Sri Lankan army, all 20 members started in two boats from Sri Lanka. Out of those 20 members, 10 members died due to intense hunger. We were drinking only sea water for the past ten days. We had no food to eat," recalled Maria, one of the refugees.

Describing the situation in her native country, Maria said, " In Sri Lanka, there are no chances of peace due to the attacks of the LTTE and Sri Lankan Army. They (people) are living with fear. Already so many people have died in those attacks."

These refugees are being given medical care while further enquiries are in progress to ascertain the actual facts and figures.

"We are providing food and medical treatment to them. Those who are in serious condition, we are shifting them to the Kakinada Civil Hospital. After getting all the details from them we will enquire further. After confirming whether they are telling the truth, we will book a case and take action as per the Indian law," said N. Nageshwar Rao, Circle Inspector, Uppada, East Godavari district. (ANI)