Sixteen Indian fishermen held for poaching in North

The seized Indian bottom trawler detained in North. Pix: Navy

At least sixteen Indian fishermen were taken into custody along with two of their bottom trawlers for engaging in fishing off the Kachchativu Island, Jaffna last night, Navy said.

As part of the ongoing maritime patrolling in Palk Straits, the Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft attached to the Command to send away a cluster of Indian fishing boats, having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters off the Kachchativu Island. 

The seized boats (02) together with Indian fishermen (16) were brought to the Kankesanthurai Harbour and they were handed over to the Regional Director Sri Lanka Coast Guard Northern Region for onward legal proceedings.

With this recent apprehension, the Navy and Coast Guard have seized a total of 61 Indian fishing boats and 450 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters in 2024, and subsequently handed them over to authorities for legal proceedings, Navy further said.