(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – Fast Attack Craft belonging to the Northern Naval Command arrested 4 Indian fishing poachers engaged in illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan territorial waters, about 9 Nm Northwest of Kovilan on Sunday (16). Along with the poachers a fishing dhow was also taken into custody.
Upon bringing the arrested dhow and fishing gear to the naval base, SLNS Elara, the fishermen are due to be handed over to the Jaffna Assistant Fisheries Director for onward legal action.
Meanwhile, Naval personnel attached to the Northwestern Naval Command apprehended 6 fishermen along with 3 dinghies for engaging in fishing activities using illegal fishing nets in the sea areas off Kilithivu and Nedunthivu, Kalpitiya on Saturday (15).
Along with the fishermen, 3 outboard motors, 3 illegal fishing nets and 20 kg of fish were also taken into naval custody. The arrested fishermen, dinghies and fishing gear were handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries, Puttalam for onward legal action.