Navy apprehends 06 persons for engaging in illegal fishing practices

Separate search operations conducted by the Navy at the Fishing Observation Point of Palleimunai in Mannar and Mohoththuwaram beach area of Ilangathurei in Trincomalee on 07th and 09th December 2024 led to the apprehension of 03 suspects together with a dinghy for illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers and another 03 persons along with a dinghy for using explosives for fishing activities.

During an operation conducted by SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command at Fishing Observation Point of Palleimunai on 07th December, naval personnel apprehended 03 suspects together with a dinghy for illegal harvesting of 177 sea cucumbers.

In another search operation led by SLNS Lankapatuna in the Eastern Naval Command in the beach area of Mohoththuwaram on 09th December, resulted in the apprehension of 03 more suspects along with a dinghy, for their involvement in fishing with explosives.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Mannar, Thoddaweli and China Bay, aged between 24 and 36. The suspects, sea cucumbers and the dinghy held in Palleimunai were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Mannar for legal action. Meanwhile, the suspects and the dinghy held in Ilangaththurai Mohoththuwaram were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Trincomalee for onward legal proceedings.