Navy seizes 01 Indian fishing boat poaching in island waters, off Delft Island

The Sri Lanka Navy seized 01 Indian fishing boat and apprehended 11 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, during a special operation conducted in the northern sea area, off the Delft Island in the wee hours of 27 Mar 25.

Taking into account the impact of those practices on the livelihood of local fishermen, the Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing boats, trespassing into island waters.

As an extension of these operations, the Northern Naval Command spotted a group of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing, trespassing into Sri Lankan waters on the night of 26 Mar. In response, the Northern Naval Command deployed its craft to drive away those Indian fishing boats from island waters, off the Delft Island. The compliant boarding made by naval personnel this morning (27 Mar) resulted in the seizure of 01 Indian boat and apprehension of 11 Indian fishermen who continued to engage in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

The seized boat (01) and Indian fishermen (11) were brought to the Kankasanthurei Harbour and they will be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mailadi for onward legal proceedings.