Navy apprehends 03 suspects for engaging in illegal fishing practices using explosives in Mannar

The Navy apprehended 03 suspects for their involvement in fishing using explosives, during a search operation conducted in the sea area of Oluthuduwai, Mannar on 06th January 2025. The operation also led to the seizure of a stock of illegally caught fish and a dinghy.

The search operation was conducted by Special Boat Squadron personnel attached to SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command. During this operation, naval personnel intercepted a dinghy on suspicion and recovered a stock of fish caught using explosives. Consequently, the 03 suspects aboard, along with the stock of fish and the dinghy, were taken into naval custody.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Panankattikottu West and Emil Nagar in Mannar, aged between 35 and 41. The 03 suspects, along with the stock of fish and the dinghy were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Mannar for onward legal action.