Navy apprehends 03 persons for illegal night diving and sea cucumber harvesting in Jaffna

Taking action against illegal fishing practices, the Sri Lanka Navy launched a search operation in the coastal area of Kudairippu, Jaffna, on 27 Apr 26. The operation netted 03 individuals engaged in night diving without the valid permits to harvest sea cucumbers.

The search was carried out by the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni under the Northern Naval Command. During the search, naval personnel intercepted a suspicious dinghy returning to shore. Upon inspection, the Navy seized 450 sea cucumbers, the dinghy, and diving gear used for the unauthorized activity.

The apprehended individuals were identified as residents of Mannar, aged between 27 and 44. Following the apprehension, the suspects, along with the seized sea cucumber stock, the dinghy and equipment, were handed over to the Jaffna Fisheries Inspector for further legal proceedings.