Chennai: In yet another successful anti-poaching operation in Gulf of Mannar, Indian Coast Guard has apprehended second Sri Lankan fishing boat ‘Dinuka Putha-6’ within a week along with six crew for fishing in Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
According to an official release, the Indian Coast Guard Ship Vajra whilst on patrol, detected a boat 117 nautical miles South-East of Kanyakumari. Subsequently, the ship closed the boat and sighted with nets in the water. On sighting the ICG Ship, the boat tried to run away, however, ICGS Vajra intercepted the Sri Lankan boat.
The illegal fishing in Indian EEZ by the Sri Lankan fishing boat is a violation of MZI Act, 1981. The boat was thoroughly rummaged by the boarding team of the ship. On investigation, it was found that the boat had the electronic chart display system and crew were well aware about fishing in the Indian EEZ. In addition, the automatic identification system onboard, was deliberately kept switched off. Further investigation revealed that the boat had Tuna long line in water and was fishing well inside Indian EEZ. The boat had about 350 kgs of fish catch onboard.
The fishing boat along with six crew members was apprehended by the ship and brought to nearest designated port Tuticorin An FIR against the Sri Lankan boat was registered and the boat along with its crew has been handed over to Marine police Tharuvaikulam, Tuticorin.