Eleven fishermen apprehended for engaging in illegal fishing
 

Naval personnel attached to the Eastern Naval Command apprehended 11 fishermen, at two separate locations, for engaging in illegal fishing activities on 12th July 2017.

Accordingly, 8 fishermen engaged in illegal fishing activities using illegal fishing nets were arrested in the sea area off the Pigeon Island, Nilaweli. Along with the suspects, a dinghy, 225 m long fishing net, a pair of diving fins and a diving mask were also taken into naval custody. The arrested fishermen and the items were handed over to the Nilaweli Wildlife officials for onward action.

Further, the Navy apprehended 3 more persons who practiced illegally fishing in the restricted sea area off York Island, Trincomalee without valid fishing passes. A traditional boat (Theppam), 2 oxygen cylinders, a pair of diving fins, a diving mask and a catch of 18 sea cucumbers were also arrested by the naval personnel. The apprehended fishermen, sea cucumbers and fishing gear were handed over to the Trincomalee Harbour Police for further investigations.