An American tourist named Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to contact the Sentinelese tribe on North Sentinel Island, one of the world’s most isolated communities. Polyakov illegally travelled to the island in the Bay of Bengal on March 29, despite Indian laws prohibiting visits to protect the indigenous tribe from modern diseases.
North Sentinel Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, is roughly the size of Manhattan and is located about 1,200 kilometres from mainland India. Although Polyakov reached the island, police indicated he did not manage to make contact with the Sentinelese. He was spotted by a local fisherman two days later and taken into custody. Authorities seized an inflatable boat, motor, and other items from him, but he has not yet been formally charged.
The US State Department confirmed they are aware of the situation but did not provide further details. The background of the case, combined with Polyakov’s alleged intentions to adventure, has raised concerns. He reportedly left soft drink bottles on the island, which could pose a health risk to the tribe, as they lack immunity to common diseases.
The Sentinelese are known for their strong resistance to outsiders and have engaged in hostile acts towards those who approach their territory. Their isolation is so profound that estimates of their population vary widely from dozens to several hundred. The tribe has had lethal encounters with outsiders before, most notably when an American missionary, John Allen Chau, was killed in 2018 while trying to convert them to Christianity. Officials suggested that Polyakov was fortunate not to have made contact with the tribe, stating that he could have faced a similar fate to Chau.
Caroline Pearce, Director of Survival International, criticised Polyakov’s actions as reckless, emphasising the dangers they pose not only to himself but also to the Sentinelese community. She noted that introducing any common diseases could be catastrophic for the isolated tribe.
Despite the Indian government’s longstanding restrictions on accessing North Sentinel Island — which have existed to safeguard the tribe — Polyakov had reportedly prepared for his trip for a considerable time, making previous visits to the Andaman Islands before his attempted landing on North Sentinel. Following his apprehension, authorities have confiscated his devices for evidence and initiated an investigation, although search operations towards the island have encountered difficulties due to rough waters.
The importance of respecting Indigenous peoples’ sovereignty is underscored by the ongoing challenges faced by uncontacted tribes globally, with numerous incidents highlighting the dangers of outside interference in their lives.