Navy takes hold of a poaching trawler in Sri Lankan waters

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters on 17th December 2023. The operation led to the seizure of 01 Indian trawler with 14 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters off the Kovilan Lighthouse, Kareinagar.

The Navy conducts regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices by foreign fishing trawlers, taking into account the consequences of these practices on the livelihood of local fishermen and marine resources of the country.

In continuation of these efforts, the Northern Naval Command deployed its Fast Attack Craft to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, after having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters on 17th December. In this operation, naval personnel held 01 Indian poaching trawler with 14 Indian fishermen, continued to remain in island waters off the Kovilan Lighthouse.

The apprehended Indian fishermen (14) and the poaching trawler were brought to the Kankasanthurai harbour and they will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for onward legal action.

Thus far in year 2023, the Navy has held 35 Indian poaching trawlers and apprehended 240 Indian fishermen for their poaching activities in island waters. Following apprehension, they have been handed over to authorities for onward legal action.