A coordinated operation conducted by the Navy and the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries (ADF) in Mullaitivu led to the apprehension of eight persons who were engaged in light-coarse fishing off Nayaru and Alampil, Trincomalee, in the early hours of April 18.
During the operation, the Navy also seized four dinghies and unauthorized fishing gear used for this illegal act.
The Navy conducts regular operations in the coastal and sea areas around the island in order to suppress illegal fishing activities. As an extension of these efforts, a group of Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) personnel of the Naval Detachment Nayaru belonging to SLNS Gotabaya in the Eastern Naval Command conducted this operation in coordination with officials of ADF in Mullaitivu on April 18.
The operation resulted in apprehension of eight persons engaged in light-coarse fishing in Nayaru and Alampil sea areas. Meanwhile, four dinghies and several unauthorized fishing equipment used for this illegal act were taken into naval custody.
The apprehended persons are residents of Puttalam, Kuchchaveli and Mullaitivu, from 22 to 44 years of age. The accused along with the dinghies and other fishing gear were handed over to ADF in Mullaitivu for onward legal action.