Navy seizes poaching trawler in Sri Lankan waters

Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters this morning (21^stDecember 2022). The operation has led to the seizure of an Indian trawler (01) with 12 Indian nationals poaching in Sri Lankan waters northeast of Veththalakerni.

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

In a similar operation, the Northern 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 northeast of Veththalakerni this morning. In this operation, the Navy held an Indian poaching trawler that continued to remain in Sri Lankan waters, with 12 Indian fishers.

The seized trawler together with 12 Indian fishermen is being brought to the Kankesanthurai Fisheries Harbour and they will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for onward legal proceedings.

Thus far in 2022, the Navy has seized 36 Indian poaching trawlers and held 264 Indian fishermen and produced them for relevant authorities for legal action

Taking into account the consequences of illegal fishing practices by foreign fishermen in Sri Lankan waters on the livelihood of local fishermen and ocean resources of the country, Sri Lanka Navy continues to remain vigilant and conduct its operations with a view to preventing such practices.