Navy apprehends 19 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in eastern waters

A search operation conducted by the Navy off Kokilai, Pulmude on 25th July 2023, led to the apprehension of 19 persons who were engaging in illegal fishing activities. During this operation, the Navy also held 04 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear used for the illegal act.

The Navy carries out regular operations in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to prevent illegal fishing practices which threaten the sustainability of fish populations, undermine legitimate fishing industries, and damage marine ecosystems.

In continuation of these efforts, SLNS Ranweli in the Eastern Naval Command made this apprehension, during a search operation conducted off Kokilai on 25th July. Accordingly, the Navy nabbed 19 individuals who were engaging in fishing using commercial explosives. The operations also led to the seizure of 04 dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear used by these individuals.

The persons held in this operation were identified as residents of Pulmude, Nilaweli and Kuchchaweli, falling within the age range of 18 to 49 years. The apprehended persons together with their belongings were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mullaitivu for onward legal action.