Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 02 Indian fishing trawlers in Sri Lankan waters off Trincomalee on 11th January 2012. The trawlers were initially sighted at a location 14.2 nautical miles north-east of Pulmudai around 03.00 p.m. on 10th.
Due to intrusive behaviour, they were kept under surveillance by patrolling SLN vessels attached to the Eastern Naval Command. Having consistantly observed the trawlers’ unwarranted movement towards land, they were taken into custody with 13 crew members onboard at a location 6.5 nautical miles east of Pulmudai on 11th morning for willfully trespassing on Sri Lankan waters.
The apprehended Indian fishing trawlers bear the registration numbers TN/06/MFB 1087 and TN/06/MFB 1032 and they were brought to the Trincomalee Harbour. Measures are under way to hand over the crew members to Trincomalee Harbour Police for onward action.
The Navy conducts routine patrols in Sri Lankan waters and provides assistance to fishermen in distress. Strict vigilance is maintained to ensure the compliance of the country’s maritime laws and violators are arrested accordingly and handed over to law enforcement authorities for legal action.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , January 12, 2012; Image: navy