American Traveler Killed by Indigenous Tribe on Cordoned-off Island
An American traveling in India as part of a missionary trip was shot with arrows and killed by an indigenous tribe on an island that is closed to visitors and tourists.
India's North Sentinel Island is home to the isolated and hostile Sentinelese tribe, known for resisting contact from any outsiders by shooting arrows at unwelcome visitors who approach. Visitors are also prohibited by the Indian government from traveling to the small, tree-laden island.
Officials have identified the American man as John Allen Chau, a 27-year-old preacher who had previously visited remote islands neighboring North Sentinel, according to Reuters. Indian police also say that Chau had a long-held desire to meet the reclusive Sentinelese people and preach to them. The preacher reportedly hired fishermen to ferry him to the cordoned off isle.
Authorities say that Chau approached the island's vicinity on Nov. 14, according to the Washington Post. The next day, he transferred from the fishermen's dinghy to a kayak for final approach to the island. His body was spotted the following day by the fishermen when they came to pick him up. Authorities say the fishermen saw Chau's body "being dragged and buried" on the island, Deepak Yadav, a senior Indian police official told the Post. He was reportedly killed on Saturday, and his body has not yet been retrieved.
After the US consulate in Chennai contacted Indian police, officers opened a murder investigation into Chau's death. The AP reports that at least seven fishermen have been arrested for facilitating the illegal visit.
The North Sentinel Island sits where the Bay of Bengal meets the Andaman Sea. In 2006, the isolated tribespeople there killed two Indian fishermen whose boat became adrift in nearby waters and washed ashore their island. In that incident, the tribe fired arrows at helicopters that were sent to the island to retrieve the men's bodies.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app