Ministry takes steps to release 13 fishermen

27 July 2011 09:52 am Views - 3064

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said that it has taken steps to release the 13 Lankan fishermen who were arrested by the Indian Coast Guard on Tuesday in seas off Orissa.

According to the Ministry together with the Lankan fishermen there are two trawlers in the Indian custody and steps have already been taken to release them and already the Sri Lankan High Commission had been briefed about the incident and the steps taken by the Ministry.

Miniser Rajitha Senaratne has stressed out and advised the local fishermen to be aware of the situation and not to enter the exclusive Economic Zones.

According to Indian media, "Coast Guard ship "Saranga" intercepted the trawlers after spotting them during routine patrolling and handed over the 13 fishermen on board to the marine police.
 
”The trawlers, containing a large quantity of sea fish, are being examined thoroughly by immigration and customs officials as well as police,” the reports further stated. (SD)