Four Indian fishermen held for poaching in Northern waters

The fisheries equipment attached to the seized Indian bottom trawler today. Pix-Navy

Four Indian fishemen along with their bottom trawler was taken into Naval custody for engaging in fishing activities off the Kovilan Lighthouse, Jaffna today (04th September), Navy said.

According to the Navy, the Northern Naval Command had spotted a cluster of Indian fishing trawlers engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters. In response, Fast Attack Craft belonging to the Command were deployed to send away those Indian fishing trawlers poaching off the Kovilan Lighthouse. 

The seized trawler together with four Indian fishermen were brought to the Kankasanthurei harbour and they will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for onward legal proceedings, Navy said.

This year alone, a total of 47 Indian trawlers were seized and 345 Indian fishermen were arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters. (Northeastern Monitor/ September 4/2024)