132 Indian fishermen arrested in Sri Lankan waters this year

The Sri Lanka Navy has seized 18 Indian fishing boats and arrested 131 Indian fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters so far this year.

In a recent operation, the Navy seized five Indian fishing boats and arrested 32 fishermen who were engaged in illegal fishing north of Mannar.   

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

As an extension of these operations, the North Central Naval Command spotted a cluster of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing, trespassing in Sri Lankan waters. In response, the Northern Naval Command deployed its, Inshore Patrol Craft to apprehend the  Indian fishing boats poaching in the sea area north of Mannar.   

The compliant boarding made by naval personnel resulted in the seizure of 05 Indian boats and apprehension of 32 Indian fishermen who were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.  

The Indian fishing boats (05), together with fishermen (32) aboard, were brought to the Talaimannar Pier and they will be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for legal action.