40 detained Indian fishermen released; 14 remain in detention

Colombo (News 1st); 40 Indian fishermen who were arrested for poaching in Sri Lanka waters on 24th March 2021 were released on Friday (26).

The Department of Fisheries said 14 Indian Fishermen currently remain in detention and they will be released in the future. Further, 04 Indian fishing vessels were also released. Sri Lanka Navy on 24th March 2021 seized 05 Indian fishing vessels along with 54 Indian nationals while poaching close to Sri Lanka. Naval units attached to Northern Naval Command nabbed a large Indian fishing vessel with 14 personnel on-board, about 03 nautical miles off the coast of Kovilan, Jaffna. 1030kg of illegally caught fish and fishing gear used for the illegal activities were also held by the Navy. Further, the North Central Naval Command took hold of 02 more Indian fishing vessels with 20 personnel for engaging in trawling in Sri Lankan territorial waters about 7 nautical miles off Pesalai, Mannar, and 5 nautical miles off the Iranativu Island. In the same vein, the Eastern Naval Command seized 02 Indian fishing vessels with 20 personnel and their fishing accessories whilst trawling in the island’s waters about 7.5 and 8.5 nautical miles off Mullaitivu.