On the evening of December 6, 2023, the Sri Lanka Navy executed targeted operations aimed at expelling Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters. These concerted efforts resulted in the seizure of four Indian trawlers, containing 21 Indian fishermen found engaged in poaching activities within Sri Lankan waters off Mannar and Kovilan, Kankasanthurei.
The Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Sri Lankan waters is underscored by its ongoing vigilance, with regular patrols and operations conducted to counter illegal fishing practices perpetrated by foreign fishing trawlers. The gravity of these actions is acknowledged, considering the potential repercussions on the livelihoods of local fishermen and the marine resources of the nation.
In a synchronized initiative, the North Central Naval Command and Northern Naval Command deployed their Fast Attack Craft and Inshore Patrol Craft to disperse a group of Indian poaching trawlers. These vessels were identified engaging in unauthorized fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters on the evening of December 6.
During these operations, the North Central Naval Command intercepted one Indian poaching trawler persisting in island waters off Mannar, with eight Indian fishermen onboard. Concurrently, the Northern Naval Command apprehended three Indian poaching trawlers carrying 13 Indian fishermen who were poaching off Kovilan, Kankasanthurei.
The apprehended Indian fishermen (21) and the poaching trawlers (4) were escorted to the Talaimannar Pier and Kankasanthurai harbor. Subsequently, they will be handed over to the Talaimannar and Jaffna Fisheries Inspectors for further legal action.
The cumulative efforts of the Sri Lanka Navy in 2023 have resulted in the seizure of 31 Indian poaching trawlers and the apprehension of 195 Indian fishermen. Following each apprehension, both the poaching trawlers and fishermen are promptly delivered to the relevant authorities for due legal processes.
