Navy arrests 16 Indian fishermen

The Sri Lanka Navy has arrested Sixteen Indian fishermen had been arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy for violating maritime border and illegal poaching off the Analaithivu Island and Talaimannar, Navy Spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Chaminda Walakuluge said today.

He said two vessels were also taken into custody.

“Eight fishermen and a steel vessel were taken into custody in the North West off the Analaithivu Island,” he said.

“Another wooden vessel with eight Indian fishermen was also taken into custody off the coast of Talaimannar last night,” he said.

He added that arrested fishermen would be handed over to the Kankasanthurai and Talaimannar Fisheries Directorate for further investigations.

While speaking to the Assistant Director of the Department of Fisheries Lal de Silva said there were 139 Indian vessels in Sri Lankan custody and the vessels were confiscated with the fishing gear.

He said that the fishermen would be produced before the Jaffna Magistrate today.

“Previously 10 fishermen were arrested and there are now 26 Indian fishermen in custody now,” he said. (Chaturanga Pradeep)