Navy seizes suspicious fishing vessel with 04 fishermen

The Navy seized a suspicious fishing vessel along with 04 fishermen in the seas off Pulmudai today (29^th August 2019).

Accordingly, while searching fishing vessels by a naval craft which was on routine patrol in the sea area off Pulmudai, a suspicious fishing vessel (dinghy) was spotted among them. When attempted to search the suspicious dinghy, it has tried to escape the search without complying with Navy’s command. Accordingly, the Navy has fired a few warning shots and managed to stop the escaping dinghy.

Subsequent search carried out revealed that the suspects on the dinghy did not possess valid fishing license, fishing gear or any other document that could prove their identity. Further, the Navy also managed to find 50.000 worth of Sri Lankan rupees in the possession of the suspects. Accordingly, the Navy apprehended the 04 suspects and seized their fishing vessel. The suspects are 19, 20, 25 and 48 years old. The apprehended persons and their belongings were handed over to the Kuchchaweli Police for onward investigation.

Further, complying with proper legal provisions vested on the Navy through the Fisheries Act, the Navy continues to search fishing vessels engaging in fishing in Sri Lankan waters and it has successfully prevented a number of illegal acts as a result of such searches conducted out at sea.