- Navy seizes an Indian fishing boat poaching in island waters, north of Mannar
During a special search operation conducted in the wee hours of today (29 Jun 25), the Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing boat (01) and apprehended 08 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, north of Mannar.
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 North Central Naval Command spotted a group of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing, trespassing into Sri Lankan waters in the early hours of today. In response, the North Central Naval Command deployed its Inshore Patrol Craft to drive away those Indian fishing boats from island waters, north of Mannar. The compliant boarding made by naval personnel resulted in the seizure of 01 Indian boat and apprehension of 08 Indian fishermen who continued to engage in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
The seized boat (01) and Indian fishermen (08) were brought to the Talpadu Pier in Mannar and they will be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for onward legal proceedings.