Navy arrests 14 Indians for illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters

Sri Lanka Navy has arrested 14 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu for allegedly breaching the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

Naval personnel attached to the Northern Naval Command, during a patrol conducted in the seas north of the Delft Island arrested the 14 Indian fishermen along with three fishing trawlers on Saturday (28 December).

Sri Lanka Navy conduct routine patrol in the Sri Lankan territorial waters to prevent Indian poachers from trespassing and smuggling activities. The Indian fishermen were poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters when they were arrested, the Navy said. The apprehended Indians are in the ages between 20 and 70.

The arrested fishermen have been escorted to SLNS Uththara and the seized trawlers were brought to SLNS Elara.

The group of fishermen are expected to be handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries in Jaffna after a medical examination, for onward action.

According to the Sri Lanka Navy, as a result of continuous patrols conducted by the Navy, the number of Indian fishing trawlers that are trespassing the Sri Lankan territorial waters has significantly reduced.

Further, the Navy said it will continue to utilise its resources effectively for the protection of local fishermen as well as the preservation of fish stocks in island’s territorial waters.