By: Isuru Parakrama
September 30, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy has seized two Indian fishing vessels and arrested 17 Indian fishermen caught illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters during a special operation conducted off the coast of Mannar.
The North Central Naval Command, during a routine patrol yesterday (29), spotted a cluster of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal activities within Sri Lankan maritime boundaries.
Responding swiftly, the Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft, while the North Central Naval Command dispatched Inshore Patrol Craft to intercept and drive away the fishing boats.
Despite efforts to disperse the intruding vessels, two Indian boats remained within Sri Lankan waters, leading to their seizure and the subsequent apprehension of 17 Indian fishermen.
The detained individuals and their boats were taken to Talaimannar Pier and are expected to be handed over to the Mannar Fisheries Inspector for further legal proceedings.
This incident marks a continuation of Sri Lanka’s efforts to protect its maritime resources from illegal fishing activities. As of this operation, the Sri Lanka Navy has detained 55 Indian fishing boats and apprehended 413 Indian fishermen for poaching in 2024 alone.
All those caught have been handed over to the relevant authorities for legal action, underscoring the country’s commitment to safeguarding its fisheries and maritime laws.
The frequent occurrence of such incidents has long been a source of tension between Sri Lanka and India, particularly concerning the livelihoods of fishermen.
However, Sri Lanka maintains strict enforcement of its laws to preserve marine biodiversity and the fishing industry that is vital to coastal communities.
