Two (02) Indian trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters seized

A coordinated operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard led to the seizure of 02 Indian trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters and apprehension of 22 Indian fishermen. The special operation was conducted off Kudiramalei Point, south of Mannar seas on 05th August 2024.

The Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing trawlers, taking into account the impact of those practices on the livelihood of local fishermen.

As an extension of these efforts, the Northwestern Naval Command had spotted a cluster of Indian trawlers engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters. In response, a Coast Guard ship attached to the Western Naval Command was dispatched to send away those Indian trawlers poaching off Kudiramalei Point, south of Mannar seas. The operation resulted in the seizure of 02 Indian trawlers and apprehension of 22 Indian fishermen who continued to remain in Sri Lankan waters.

The trawlers (02) and Indian fishermen (22) were brought to SLNS Kalpitiya and they will be handed over to Kalpitiya Fisheries Inspector for onward legal action.