Navy ambushed by mob during sea operation in Trincomalee: Three injured

Colombo, June 4 (Daily Mirror) - At least three individuals, including two Sri Lanka Navy personnel were injured following a clash between an organised group of individuals and the Sri Lanka Navy during an anti-illegal fishing operation in the Kuchchaveli sea area of Trincomalee.

Navy Spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath said the Navy has intensified operations in the Trincomalee coastal waters to prevent illegal fishing by local groups. 

Accordingly, the Navy arrested 48 individuals along with 11 boats and related fishing gear on Wednesday for engaging in unlawful fishing practices.

The incident occurred when a group of naval personnel on a dinghy was escorting a seized boat involved in illegal fishing, back to shore.

An organised group suddenly surrounded the Navy boat and attempted to reclaim the confiscated boat.

The spokesman said that at that time the Navy personnel warned the group not to obstruct their duties and attempted to take action.

As the situation escalated and the group had attempted to snatch the weapons from naval personnel, the Navy was compelled to fire warning shots into the air, he said.

During the scuffle, a sailor’s firearm accidentally discharged, injuring an individual.

Commander Sampath said at least 25 individuals confronted the Navy boat that was conducting patrols comprising at least five personnel on board and physically assaulted them before fleeing the scene with the seized vessel.

Two naval personnel and one civilian injured in the incident were admitted to the Trincomalee General Hospital and are currently receiving treatment.

The Navy suspects that the attackers were not local fishermen but members of an organized group. 

The spokesman said that further investigations are underway under the directive of the Ministry of Defence.

Meanwhile,  Commander Sampath said that the Navy has arrested 315 individuals and seized 117 boats in connection with illegal fishing activities in Trincomalee waters so far this year.