Navy seize two trawlers with 16 Indians in SL waters

The Sri Lanka Navy seized two Indian trawlers with 16 Indian nationals poaching in Sri Lankan waters northeast of Vetrilaikkerni and off the Analaitivu Island this morning, the Navy said.

The Navy conducted a special operation to drive away the Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters this morning (March 12, 2023) and seized the two.

"The Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices by foreign fishing trawlers.

As an extension of these operations, the Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla to drive away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, having spotted were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters northeast of Vetrilaikkerni and off the Analaitivu Island. In this operation, the Navy held 2 Indian poaching trawlers with 16 Indian fishers continuing to remain in Sri Lankan waters," the navy said in a statement.            

The seized trawlers together with 16 Indian fishermen were brought to the Kankesanthurai Harbour and will be handed over to the Mayiliddi Fisheries Inspector for onward legal proceedings.