Navy detain five trawlers and 32 fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted separate operations to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters in the dark hours of Wednesday (20) March 2024. The operations led to the seizure of five (05) Indian trawlers and apprehension of 32 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters off Talaimannar and near the Delft Island.

The two (02) Indian trawlers along with 07 Indian fishermen apprehended by the North Central Naval Command were brought to the Talaimannar Pier. Meanwhile, the 03 Indian trawlers and 25 Indian fishermen held by the Northern Naval Command were brought to Kankasanthurai harbour. They were to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspectors of Mannar and Mailadi for onward legal proceedings.

Including the recent apprehension, the Navy has held 23 Indian trawlers and 178 Indian fishermen poaching in island waters thus far in 2024.