Navy apprehends 04 persons for engaging in illegal fishing in eastern waters

The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 04 persons for engaging in illegal fishing activities, during a search operation conducted off Koneshwaram, Trincomalee on the afternoon of 18th September 2023. During the operation, the Navy also took hold of 01 dinghy and unauthorized fishing equipment used for the illegal fishing practice.

The Navy remains ever alert and conducts regular operations to prevent illegal fishing activities being carried out in the beach and sea areas belonging to the island. In continuation of these efforts, SLN Dockyard carried out a search operation off Koneshwaram, Trincomalee on 18th September and apprehended 04 individuals for engaging in fishing with unauthorized fishing gear. The operation also led to the seizure of 01 dinghy and unauthorized fishing gear used by the accused.

The apprehended individuals have been identified as residents of Trincomalee, from 26 to 47 years of age. The persons were handed over to the Cod Bay Fisheries Inspectors for onward legal action. Meanwhile, the dinghy and fishing gear have been kept in the custody of the Navy, until they are handed over to authorities for legal proceedings.