Navy apprehends 02 more Indian fishing trawlers for poaching in northern waters of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 02 more Indian fishing trawlers with 13 Indian fishermen aboard, while poaching in Sri Lankan waters, during a special operation conducted in the seas west of the Analathivu Island, Jaffna on the night of 20th December 2021.

The special operation was mounted in the seas west of the Analathivu Island by Fast Attack Craft of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla (4 FAF) attached to the Northern Naval Command. The operation led to the seizure of these 02 Indian fishing trawlers with 13 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters.

As a result of the Navy’s continuous effort to prevent poaching by Indian fishing trawlers in Sri Lankan territorial waters, 10 Indian fishing trawlers and 68 Indian fishermen were taken into naval custody, during such operations in the Northern and North Central Naval Commands on 18th, 19th and 20th December.

This operation was carried out adhering to the COVID-19 protocols due to pandemic concerns. Further, arrangements are being made to hand over the apprehended Indian fishermen for onward legal action, after directing them for a Rapid Antigen Test. Meanwhile, the Navy will continue to patrol the island waters around the clock to thwart poaching activities of foreign fishermen.