Navy nabs 28 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in Mannar and Puttalam

The Navy apprehended 28 persons who engaged in illegal fishing, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Oluthuduwai, Manthei, Vankalai and Silawathura in Mannar and Daluwa in Puttalam from 07th to 09th January 2025. The operations also resulted in the seizure of 07 dinghies and a traditional boat (01).

During search operations conducted by SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command on 7th, 8th, and 9th January, apprehended 12 individuals involved in illegal fishing activities in the sea areas of Oluthuduwai, Manthei, and Vankalai. The offenses included the use of unauthorized fishing nets, illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers, and unlawful night diving. The Navy also seized 03 dinghies, 01 traditional boat, and 620 illegally harvested sea cucumbers during these operations.

Meanwhile, SLNS Thambapanni and SLNS Therapuththa belonging to the Northwestern Naval Command carried out separate operations in the Daluwa and Silawathura sea areas on 8th January. These efforts resulted in the apprehension of 16 individuals engaged in illegal diving and the use of unauthorized fishing nets. Four (04) dinghies were also held during these operations.

The suspects held in these operations, aged between 17 and 61, were identified as residents of Mannar, Kalpitiya, Daluwa, Batticaloa, and Uyilankulam. Those apprehended in Oluthuduwai and Manthei, along with the sea cucumbers, fishing boats, and gear, were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Mannar for legal action. The suspects and dinghy held in Daluwa were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Puttalam. Similarly, the individuals and dinghies detained in Silawathura were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector in Mannar, while those apprehended in Vankalai were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector in Nanattan for further legal proceedings.