Navy apprehends 12 local fishermen engaged in illegal fishing
Naval personnel attached to SLNS Therapuththa located in Silawathurai in the North Western Naval Command arrested 12 local fishermen who engaged in suspicious scuba diving activities using unauthorized nets in the seas off Silawathurai yesterday (6). It was further revealed that the apprehended fishermen did not possess a valid fishing permit to engage in fishing activities.
Along with the suspects, 4 dinghies, 3 monofilament nets, 3 diving masks, 3 pairs of diving fins, 8 oxygen cylinders and 3 GPS units were taken into naval custody. The apprehended persons and belongings were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Mannar for further investigations