Indian Poaching Trawler Seized In Northern Waters

by Zulfick Farzan 18-12-2023 | 11:11 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st); In a decisive operation aimed at curbing illegal fishing activities within Sri Lankan territorial waters, the Sri Lanka Navy successfully apprehended an Indian poaching trawler and its crew of 14 off the Kovilan Lighthouse, Kareinagar, on December 17th.

The Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft upon detecting a cluster of Indian vessels engaging in illegal fishing within Sri Lankan waters.

The prompt action resulted in the successful apprehension of one trawler and its crew.

The apprehended Indian fishermen and their vessel have been transported to the Kankasanthurai harbor for further processing.

They will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for due legal proceedings in accordance with maritime law.

This operation brings the total number of Indian poaching trawlers apprehended by the Sri Lanka Navy in 2023 to 35, with a total of 240 fishermen apprehended for illegal activities within Sri Lankan waters.