Navy apprehends 21 local fishermen engaged in illegal fishing

Naval personnel attached to SLNS Vijaya located in Kalpitiya in the North Western Naval Command arrested 21 local fishermen who engaged in illegal fishing activities without valid fishing permits and using unauthorized nets in Illaththadiya, Thalavila, Uchchamuniya and Ippantivu sea areas yesterday (19).

Along with the suspects, 9 Fibre Glass Dinghies, 16 oxygen cylinders, 4 pairs of diving fins, 4 diving masks, 2 GPS units and 8 monofilament nets were taken into naval custody. The apprehended persons and belongings were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Puttalam for further investigations.