The Sri Lanka Navy has once again demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding local fisheries and marine resources.
In the latest operation on December 17, 2023, the Navy successfully intercepted and apprehended a group of 14 Indian fishermen aboard an illegally operating trawler off the Kovilan Lighthouse in Kareinagar.
This latest incident marks the 36th Indian poaching trawler seized by the Sri Lanka Navy in 2023, and the cumulative number of apprehended Indian fishermen has now reached 254 for the year. The Navy's vigilance and proactive measures continue to underscore the seriousness with which Sri Lanka addresses the issue of unauthorized fishing in its territorial waters.
The Northern Naval Command, as part of its ongoing efforts to curb illegal fishing practices, deployed its Fast Attack Craft to intercept a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers spotted operating within Sri Lankan waters on the specified date. The successful operation resulted in the apprehension of one Indian trawler and its 14-member crew.
Upon completion of the operation, the Navy escorted the seized trawler and the apprehended fishermen to the Kankasanthurai harbour. As per standard protocol, the detainees will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for further legal proceedings.
