Navy nabs 03 persons in Mannar seas for transferring 12700 sea cucumbers without licence

A search operation conducted by the Navy in the sea area of Mannar Sand Dunes on 30th March 2023, led to apprehend 03 suspects for transferring 12700 sea cucumbers by a dinghy without valid licence. The Navy also seized diving gear and a dinghy used for this illegal act.

The Navy continues to conduct regular operations in the coastal and sea areas of the island with a view to curb illegal fishing practices. In a similar operation conducted in the sea area of Mannar Sand Dunes, SLNS Thammanna in the North Central Naval Area spotted a dinghy and searched it on suspicion. As a result, the Navy held 03 suspects for transferring 12700 sea cucumbers without valid licence. Along with the suspects, diving gear and the dinghy used for this illegal act were also taken into naval custody.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Mannar, from 21 to 32 years of age. The suspects along with their belongings and 12700 sea cucumbers were handed over to the Mannar Fisheries Inspector for onward legal proceedings.