Man Detained After Attempting to Contact the Isolated Sentinelese Tribe
An American tourist has been arrested in India after illegally setting foot on North Sentinel Island, home to one of the world’s most isolated tribes. Authorities detained 24-year-old Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov for violating strict travel restrictions meant to protect the Sentinelese people, who live untouched by modern civilisation.
Unauthorised Visit Ends in Arrest
The remote island, part of India’s Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, is strictly off-limits to visitors, with a 5km (3-mile) exclusion zone enforced to prevent external interference. Despite this, Polyakov managed to reach the island by boat, carrying offerings that included a coconut and a can of Diet Coke.
Police reports indicate that he remained offshore for about an hour, blowing a whistle to attract the Sentinelese before finally landing for five minutes. He reportedly collected sand samples, left the items on the beach, and filmed his visit with a GoPro camera before returning to his boat.
A History of Dangerous Encounters
The Sentinelese people, estimated to number around 150, have long resisted contact with the outside world. The tribe gained international attention in 2018 when they killed John Allen Chau, an American missionary who attempted an illegal visit. Indian law forbids outsiders from setting foot on the island, both to protect the tribe from disease and to preserve their way of life.
Polyakov had previously made two failed attempts to approach the island. In October 2024, hotel staff stopped him when he tried to paddle to the restricted zone using an inflatable kayak. In January 2025, he attempted another approach but was unsuccessful. His latest venture involved a motorised inflatable boat, which enabled him to travel over 35km (22 miles) of open sea.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
After returning from his unauthorised visit, Polyakov was arrested two days later, on Monday evening. Police have placed him on a three-day remand for questioning.
Authorities are also investigating whether any locals assisted him, as those caught aiding illegal entries to North Sentinel can face prosecution.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold significant strategic importance for India, with New Delhi investing £6.7bn ($9bn) in military expansions. While some Indigenous groups, such as the Jarawa, have had occasional interactions with outsiders, the Sentinelese remain fiercely protective of their isolation.
With Indian law strictly prohibiting contact, authorities are expected to take firm action to prevent further incursions.
