Navy seizes an Indian fishing boat (01) poaching in northern waters

During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 12 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard seized an Indian fishing boat (01) and apprehended 10 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off the Delft Island, Jaffna.

The Northern Naval Command spotted a group of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing, trespassing into Sri Lankan waters. In response, naval craft of the Northern Naval Command and Coast Guard were deployed to drive away those Indian fishing boats from island waters off the Delft Island. Meanwhile, compliant boarding made by naval personnel resulted in the seizure of the Indian fishing boat (01) and apprehension of Indian fishermen (10) who continued to engage in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

The seized boat and Indian fishermen handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.

In the year 2025, the Navy seized forty-four (44) Indian fishing trawlers and took into custody three hundred and forty-six (346) Indian fishermen who engaged in illegal fishing activities within Sri Lankan waters. All apprehended individuals and trawlers were handed over to authorities for further legal action. The Navy continues to conduct sustained operations to curb illegal fishing, with the objective of safeguarding the country’s marine environment and protecting the livelihoods of the local fishing community.