Navy arrests 7 fishermen engaged in illegal fishing
 

Naval personnel attached to SLNS Vijayaba arrested 7 fishermen, along with 2 Fiber Glass Dinghies, 12 oxygen cylinders, 3 diving masks, 3 pairs of diving fins and 3 fishing nets (Athangu), at restricted area off Pigeon Island Sanctuary in Nilaweli. The arrested fishermen and the fishing equipment were handed over to the officials of Wild Life Department in Gopalpuram and Kuchchaweli Police for onward action.

The Pigeon Island Sanctuary has been designated as a national park and is a significant area of rich bio-diversity. Fishing in the area has been banned due to the aforesaid reasons.