American Tourist Detained for Trespassing on Restricted Indian Island

An American national has been apprehended for unlawfully entering North Sentinel Island, an area inhabited by the Sentinelese, an isolated tribe that rejects contact with outsiders. The 24-year-old man reportedly approached the island with a coconut and a can of Diet Coke, intending to offer these items as gifts to the indigenous people.

Located within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, North Sentinel Island is subject to strict regulations that prohibit both Indian and foreign visitors from coming within a five-kilometer radius. These measures are in place to safeguard the indigenous tribe from external diseases and to preserve their traditional lifestyle. The Sentinelese, numbering roughly 150 individuals, are known for their hostility towards outsiders, often defending their territory with spears.

The tourist used a motorized inflatable boat to navigate approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the main island to the restricted area. According to reports from law enforcement, he briefly landed on the island--lasting around five minutes--where he left the offerings on the shore, collected sand samples, and recorded footage using his GoPro camera.

Authorities reviewed the footage and confirmed that he had indeed trespassed on North Sentinel Island. Following his arrest, he was brought before a local court, where he is currently undergoing a three-day detention for further questioning.

This is not the first time the individual has attempted to visit the island. Previous efforts included attempts in October 2024, when he was thwarted by hotel staff while trying to kayak to the island, and another in January 2025. In that instance, he attempted to attract attention by using a whistle before leaving his offerings.

The consequences he may face for this infringement remain unclear. The Andaman Islands are also home to the Jarawa tribe, consisting of about 400 members, who are similarly at risk from external contact.

Experts have consistently warned that uncontacted tribes lack immunity to common diseases brought by outsiders, which could have devastating effects on their populations. Caroline Pearce, director of Survival International, emphasized the irresponsibility of the tourist's actions.

In 2018, a different incident occurred when an American missionary illegally landed on North Sentinel Island, leading to his death at the hands of the tribe.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, strategically positioned near Myanmar, play a crucial role in India's maritime security and are slated for the development of air and naval bases.