Navy nabs 07 persons for engaging in illegal fishing practices

The Navy apprehended 07 persons for their involvement in illegal fishing practices, during separate operations conducted in the beach and sea areas of Kinniya, Sinnaweli, Sallimunei, Nandikadal, and Vankalai from 19 to 24 Feb 25. The individuals had engaged in night diving and used explosives, when they were apprehended. The operations also resulted in the seizure of 02 fishing boats, 65 unauthorized nets, 04 detonators, 02 gelignite sticks and 04 safety fuses.

A search operation conducted by SLNS Gokanna in the Eastern Naval Command led to the recovery of a parcel of explosives, hidden in the beach area of Kinniya on 19 Feb. The parcel contained 04 detonators, 02 gelignite sticks, and 04 safety fuses, each measuring 03 inches.

Another search operation mounted by SLNS Lankapatuna in the beach area of Sinnaweli, Trincomalee on 21 Feb resulted in the apprehension of 02 individuals, suspected of using explosives to catch fish. Meanwhile, SLNS Walagamba apprehended 02 suspects together with a dinghy, for their involvement in illegal night diving off Sallimunei, Trincomalee on 22 Feb.

In addition, SLNS Gotabaya managed to recover 58 trap nets, 04 trammel nets and 03 monofilament nets, during separate search operations conducted with the assistance of Assistant Directorate of Fisheries Mullaitivu, in the lagoon area of Nandikadal on 23 Feb.

In the same vein, SLNS Pussadewa of the North Central Naval Command apprehended 03 individuals who were preparing to engage in illegal night diving off Vankalai, Mannar, on February 24. The Navy also seized a dinghy used for this illegal activity.

The persons held in these operations were identified as residents of Kalmunaikudi, Kalmunai, Nilaveli, Mannar and Vankalai areas, from 24 to 71 years of age. The suspects together with fishing boats and unauthorized gear were handed over to the Assistant Directorates of Fisheries in Trincomalee and Mullaitivu as well as Fisheries Inspectors of Kuchchaveli and Mannar for onward legal action. Meanwhile, the cache of explosives has been kept in the safe custody of the Navy, until they are handed over for legal proceedings.