The Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing boat (01) and apprehended 10 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, during a special operation conducted in the sea area south of Mannar in the dark hours of 02 Feb 25.
The Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing boats, taking into account the impact of those practices on the livelihood of local fishermen.
As an extension of these operations, the North Central Naval Command spotted a cluster of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters. In response, the North Central Naval Command deployed its Inshore Patrol Craft to drive away those Indian fishing boats poaching in the sea area south of Mannar. The compliant boarding made by naval personnel resulted in the seizure of an Indian boat and apprehension of 10 Indian fishermen who continued to engage in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
The seized boat (01) together with Indian fishermen (10) was brought to the Thalpadu Pier in Mannar and they will be handed over to the Mannar Fisheries Inspector for onward legal proceedings. (Navy)