Indian fishermen detained for poaching in Sea of Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters this morning (07th August 2023). 

The operation led to the seizure of an Indian trawler (01) with ten (10) Indian nationals poaching in island waters off Alampil in Mullaitivu.

The Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices by foreign fishing trawlers.

In a similar operation, the Eastern Naval Command deployed a Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, after having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters off Alampil in Mullaitivu this morning. In this operation, the Navy held an Indian poaching trawler that continued to remain in island waters, with 10 Indian fishers aboard.

The poaching trawler together with 10 Indian fishermen was brought to the port of Trincomalee and they will be handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries-Trincomalee through the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, for onward legal proceedings.

Including the poaching trawler held this operation, the Sri Lanka Navy has seized 14 Indian poaching trawlers and apprehended 93 Indian fishermen thus far in 2023. Following these apprehensions, the poaching trawlers and fishermen have been handed over to relevant authorities for legal action. 

Taking into account the consequences of these practices on the livelihood of local fishermen and ocean resources of the country, the Navy continues to remain vigilant and conduct operations in Sri Lankan waters.