Navy apprehends 04 Indian fishers for poaching in northern waters

Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 04 Indian fishermen along with a fishing trawler belonging to them for poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters today (31^th July 2019).

The apprehension was made by a Fast Attack Craft attached to the Northern Naval Command, during a patrol conducted in the sea area off the Kovilam Lighthouse. The group of Indian fishermen had been fishing in Sri Lankan territorial waters by the time the apprehension was made. The apprehended fishers and their trawler being subsequently handed over to a craft of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and afterwards the suspects were escorted to the naval base SLNS ‘Elara’.

These fishermen are expected to be handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries in Jaffna for onward action, after a medical examination.

As a result of continuous patrols conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy, the number of illegal activities in Sri Lankan waters has significantly reduced. Further, the Navy will continue to keep its vigil on such activities at all times.