Navy apprehends 05 suspects with 13 Water Gel sticks in Mannar

A search operation conducted by the Navy in the beach area of South Bar, Mannar on 19th September 2023 led to the apprehension of 05 suspects who were planning to employ explosives for fishing purposes. During the operation the Navy also held 13 Water Gel sticks - a type of commercial explosive and a dinghy.

The use of explosives for fishing poses a serious threat to marine life and can cause long-lasting damage to the marine ecosystems. Thus, the Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular operations to crack down on explosive fishing and other illegal fishing practices in the island waters.

In a similar operation conducted in South Bar area on 19th September, SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command interrogated these 05 suspects whilst they were getting ready to set out to sea by a dinghy. Subsequent questioning uncovered their intention to use commercial explosives for fishing. Consequently, the Navy apprehended the 05 suspects along with 13 Water Gel sticks and their dinghy.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Mannar, from 24 to 41 years of age. The suspects along with 13 Water Gel sticks and the dinghy were handed over to the Mannar Police for onward legal action.