Navy seizes 03 Indian fishing boats poaching in Sri Lankan waters

The Sri Lanka Navy seized 03 Indian fishing boats and apprehended 10 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, during a special operation conducted in the sea area north of Mannar and off the Delft Island in the dark hours of 19 Feb 25.

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 Northern and North Central Naval Commands spotted a cluster of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing, trespassing into Sri Lankan waters. In response, the Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft of the Navy and Coast Guard, whereas North Central Naval Command deployed its Inshore Patrol Craft to drive away those Indian fishing boats poaching in the sea area north of Mannar and off the Delft Island. The compliant boarding made by naval personnel resulted in the seizure of 03 Indian boats and apprehension of 10 Indian fishermen who continued to engage in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

The Indian fishing boat, together with 04 fishermen aboard, held by the North Central Naval Command was brought to the Talaimannar Pier and they will be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for legal action. Meanwhile the 02 Indian fishing boats and 06 fishermen held by the Northern Naval Command were brought to the Kankesanthurai Harbour and they will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for legal proceedings.

Including the recent operation, the Navy has held 13 Indian fishing boats and apprehended 99 Indian fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters, thus far in 2025.