In a concerning incident, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, a 24-year-old US citizen, was arrested for illegally entering North Sentinel Island, a tribal reserve in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is home to the Sentinelese tribe. The arrest took place on March 31, 2025, after Polyakov made an unauthorized visit to the island, which is strictly off-limits to outsiders due to the tribe's reclusive nature and the potential danger it poses to both visitors and the tribe. Polyakov's actions, involving equipment for navigation and video recording, have raised serious concerns about the risks of contacting one of the world’s most isolated tribes.

Secret Voyage to North Sentinel Island

Polyakov's attempted journey began on March 26, 2025, when he arrived in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. From Kurma Dera Beach, he set sail towards North Sentinel Island in the dead of night, leaving Port Blair around 1 a.m. on March 29, 2025. He carried minimal supplies, including a coconut and a can of cola, which he described as "offerings" for the Sentinelese.

By 10 a.m., Polyakov reached the northeastern shore of the island, using binoculars to search for any signs of the tribe but reported seeing no one. After spending about an hour offshore, he tried blowing a whistle to attract attention, but there was no response. Determined to make contact, he briefly landed on the island’s shore for five minutes, where he left the offerings, collected sand samples, and recorded footage before returning to his boat. He set sail back to Port Blair at 1 p.m., returning to Kurma Dera Beach by 7 p.m..

Seized Equipment and Investigation

Authorities later detained Polyakov and seized several items, including an inflatable boat, an outboard motor, a GoPro camera containing footage of the landing, and GPS equipment used for navigation. Police revealed that Polyakov had carefully planned the trip, researching sea conditions, tides, and the best routes to approach the island.

According to DGP HS Dhaliwal, investigations are underway to determine the intent behind Polyakov’s visit and whether he had any prior knowledge of the island’s restrictions. Authorities are also questioning hotel staff in Port Blair to gather more details regarding his actions.

Repeat Offender: Past Attempts to Contact Tribes

This was not Polyakov’s first attempt to engage with tribal groups in the Andamans. In October 2023, he visited Port Blair and attempted to reach North Sentinel Island using an inflatable kayak, but he was stopped by hotel staff. Again, in January 2024, Polyakov tried to procure a motor for his boat to visit Baratang Islands, where he allegedly filmed the indigenous Jarawa tribe illegally.

Given his repeated attempts, authorities have raised concerns about his deliberate actions to break the law and make contact with vulnerable tribes.

Legal Action and Diplomatic Communication

An FIR was filed against Polyakov under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Amendment Regulation, 2012. A complaint was made by Tribal Welfare Officer Pronab Sircar, who emphasized the legal importance of protecting tribal communities from external threats. Additionally, the Home Department, Ministry of External Affairs, and the US Embassy have been informed about the arrest.

Sentinelese Tribe: The World’s Most Isolated Tribe

The Sentinelese tribe, one of the world’s most isolated communities, is known for its hostility towards outsiders. Their existence and culture remain largely untouched by modern civilization, making them highly vulnerable to diseases brought by external contact. The Indian government has long enforced a strict no-entry policy around North Sentinel Island to ensure the tribe's safety and preserve their way of life.

In 2018, American missionary John Chau was killed by the Sentinelese when he attempted to contact them. This tragic event highlighted the dangers of interacting with such isolated tribes and reinforced the Indian government’s stance on preventing access to the island.

Polyakov's Fate

Currently, Polyakov remains in police custody as the investigation continues. The case has raised critical questions about the ethics and dangers of attempting to make contact with isolated tribes, as well as the responsibility of individuals traveling to protected areas. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands authorities are committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of indigenous communities, with Polyakov’s case serving as a stark reminder of the need to respect such protected zones.

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