Navy apprehends 10 persons for engaging in illegal fishing using commercial explosives

The Navy nabbed 10 persons for engaging in illegal fishing using commercial explosives, during separate operations conducted in the sea areas of Poduwakattu in Trincomalee and Kondachchikuda in Silawathura on 26th and 27th April 2024. The operations also led to the seizure of 02 dinghies, diving gear and unauthorized fishing equipment.

The Sri Lanka Navy remains vigilant and conducts operations to combat illegal fishing in its sea and coastal areas, with a view to supporting legal fishing practices.

As part of ongoing initiatives, SLNS Walagamba in the Eastern Naval Command intercepted a suspicious dinghy in the sea area of Poduwakattu on 26th April. During further search, naval personnel apprehended 05 persons aboard, for engaging in fishing using commercial explosives. As such, the suspects, along with the dinghy, unauthorized fishing equipment and diving gear were held by the Navy.

In another search operation, SLNS Therapuththa in the Northwestern Naval Command intercepted a dinghy in the Kondachchikuda sea area and nabbed 05 more individuals on 27th April, suspected of their involvement in fishing activities with commercial explosives. Accordingly, those 05 individuals together with their dinghy, unauthorized fishing equipment and diving gear were taken into naval custody.

The suspects held in these operations were identified as residents of Kuchchaweli and Mannar areas, who are from 16 to 60 years of age. The 05 suspects and their belongings held in Poduwakattu sea area were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Trincomalee for onward legal action. Meanwhile, the other 05 individuals and their belongings apprehended in the Kondachchikuda sea area were handed over to the Silawathura Fisheries Inspector for onward legal proceedings.