INDIAN COAST GUARD APPREHENDS SRI LANKAN BOAT IN
Chennai 11 March 2022
INDIAN COAST GUARD APPREHENDS SRI LANKAN BOAT IN AN ANTI-POACHING OPERATION IN GULF OF MANNAR
On 08 Mar 2022, in a Sea-Air coordinated operation, Indian Coast Guard conducted an anti-poaching operation in Gulf of Mannar and apprehended a Sri Lankan fishing boat “Ajantha Putha-2 alongwith 05 crew for fishing in Indian waters. The aircraft on maritime surveillance in Gulf of Mannar reported the presence of a Sri Lankan fishing boat within Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). On receipt of information, Indian Coast Guard Ship Vajra was diverted to intercept the Sri Lankan boat.
The ship detected the boat 120 nm south of Kanyakumari on its Radar near to the reported position and subsequently the ship closed the contact. On sighting the ICG Ship, the boat tried to run away, however, ICGS Vajra successfully intercepted the Sri Lankan boat, 48 nautical miles inside Indian EEZ with its fishing net into water. The illegal fishing in Indian EEZ by the Sri Lankan fishing boat is violation of MZI Act, 1981. The boat was thoroughly rummaged by boarding team of ICGS Vajra. Further investigation revealed that, the boat had Tuna long line in water and was fishing well inside Indian EEZ. The boat had 300 Kg of fish catch onboard.
The fishing boat along with 05 crew was apprehended by the ship and brought to nearest designated port, Tuticorin. The boat along with its crew has been handed over to Marine police Tharuvaikulam, Tuticorin.
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PS/SS/03/2022
