Indian Coast Guard seizes Sri Lankan boat, detains 6 fishermen

The Indian Coast Guard has seized a Sri Lankan fishing boat and detained six fishermen for crossing the international maritime border and fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Coast Guard Ship ICGS Samar apprehended the Sri Lankan fishing boat around 170 nautical miles (306 km) west of Agatti in Lakshadweep on 1 October and brought it to Kochi harbour on Friday, New Indian Express reported.

The boat and two fishermen have been handed over to Kochi Coastal Police on Thursday.

A joint team of investigators from the State and Central agencies are interrogating the crew. The other four fishermen are in the custody of Coast Guard and they will be brought to Kochi on Saturday.

According to a Coast Guard release, the ICGS Samar has spotted the boat during a routine EEZ surveillance on 1 October in Indian waters off Agatti. Despite rough weather conditions, the ship apprehended the boat and checked for violation of Maritime Regulations of India. Around 600 kg of fish catch was found on board, the Coast Guard said.

According to the information provided by the Sri Lankan fishermen, they had set out for fishing on 20 September.