Navy seizes Indian poaching trawler off Mullaitivu

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian trawlers poaching in the island’s waters today (10th August 2022). 

The operation led to the seizure of an Indian trawler with 09 Indian fishermen while poaching in Sri Lanka’s waters off Mullaitivu, via the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

The Navy continues to carry out regular patrols in the island’s waters to prevent illegal fishing practices by foreign fishermen, intending to protect the fishery resources of the country and the livelihood of local fishermen.

Accordingly, the Navy deployed a Fast Attack Craft of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla (4 FAF), attached to the Eastern Naval Command to chase away Indian trawlers poaching in Sri Lanka’s waters, via the IMBL on 10th August. In this operation, the Navy seized the Indian poaching trawler with 09 Indian fishermen and their fishing gear.

The Indian trawler and the 09 Indian fishermen held by the Navy are being brought to the Trincomalee harbour as of now and they are to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Trincomalee for onward legal action.

Meanwhile, the Navy is determined to carry out regular operations to protect the country’s fishery resources and the livelihood of the local fishing community.