Sri Lankan vessels seized in Seychelles

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A captain of a Sri Lankan-flagged vessel appeared in court in Seychelles after being arrested for allegedly fishing illegally in the waters of Seychelles, while a second captain is being investigated after two boats were intercepted by the Seychelles Coast Guard. The announcement of the interception of two foreign fishing vessels by the Seychelles Coast Guard was made by the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces. The two Sri Lankan-flagged vessels were first spotted by local fishermen around 90 nautical miles south-east of Mahe, the main island. The two vessels were intercepted by the Seychelles Coast Guard’s patrol ship Topaz and patrol boat La Fleche. According to the Seychelles Fisheries Authority, the captain of one of the vessels appeared in court on Tuesday and will remain in custody until the 19th of November. The authorities are still investigating to see if there are enough evidence to build up a case against the captain of the other Sri Lankan-flagged vessel. If confirmed the case would be the third incident of illegal fishing by Sri Lankan-flagged vessels in the waters of Seychelles this year.