Poaching Trawler in northern waters held by the Navy

Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian trawlers poaching in northern waters of the island in the evening of 04th July 2022. Accordingly, the operation led to the seizure of an Indian trawler with 05 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters off the Analaitivu Island.

The Navy deployed Fast Attack Craft of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla (4 FAF), attached to the Northern Naval Command to chase away those Indian trawlers from Sri Lankan waters, after having spotted them poaching off the Analaitivu Island, via the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). In this operation, the Navy seized an Indian trawler with 05 Indian fishermen and their fishing gear, for poaching in the island's waters.

In a similar operation carried out on 03rd July, the Navy seized another Indian trawler with 12 fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters off Point Pedro. Accordingly, both Indian poaching vessels and 17 Indian fishermen have been produced for onward legal proceedings. Meanwhile, the Navy is determined to carry out regular operations to protect the country’s fishery resources and livelihood of the local fishing community.