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

The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard intercepted 02 Indian trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters and apprehended Indian fishermen, during a special operation conducted off the Delft Island on 08th December 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 Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft of the Command and Coast Guard to send away a cluster of Indian trawlers, having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters off the Delft Island, in the wee hours of 08th December. The operation resulted in the seizure of 02 Indian trawlers and apprehension of 08 Indian fishermen who continued to remain in Sri Lankan waters.

The seized trawlers (02) together with Indian fishermen (08) were brought to the Kankesanthurai harbour and they will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for onward legal proceedings.

With this recent apprehension, the Navy and Coast Guard have seized a total of 70 Indian trawlers and 537 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters in 2024, and subsequently handed them over to authorities for legal proceedings.