Navy apprehends 23 Indian fishermen for illegal fishing offences
February 04, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy, in its ongoing efforts to safeguard Sri Lankan waters from illegal fishing activities, apprehended 23 Indian fishermen aboard two Indian trawlers off the Delft Island in Jaffna.
The operation, conducted by the Northern Naval Command, utilised Fast Attack Craft of the Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard to intercept and address the issue of illegal fishing by foreign vessels.
The naval patrols, aimed at curbing unauthorised fishing practices, are integral to preserving the livelihoods of local fishermen and ensuring the sustainable use of Sri Lanka’s marine resources.
In this specific incident on February 3, the Navy detected a group of Indian poaching trawlers engaged in unauthorised fishing within Sri Lankan waters.
Subsequently, the naval personnel successfully chased away and detained two Indian poaching trawlers, apprehending 23 Indian fishermen in the process.
The captured vessels, along with the arrested individuals, were escorted to the Kankesanthurai Harbour.
Following standard protocol, the apprehended Indian fishermen and the impounded trawlers will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for further legal proceedings.
