Navy thwarts another illegal migration attempt

A naval patrol conducted in the eastern seas off Kalmunai Friday led to the apprehension of 67 individuals, suspected to be attempting to illegally migrate from the country by sea, and seizure of a local fishing trawler.

The Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular operations and patrols covering the sea and coastal areas around the island with the aim of suppressing illegal migration and other forms of illegal activities.

Accordingly, Sri Lanka Navy Ship (SLNS) Ranarisi intercepted a suspicious local multiday fishing trawler carrying this group of 67, suspected to be attempting to illegally migrate from the country by sea, while patrolling off Kalmunai this morning. Among the apprehended persons were; 53 males including six human smugglers, six females and eight children.

The Navy also seized the multiday fishing trawler used for this illegal act.

The apprehended individuals who are from 01 to 56 years of age were identified as residents of Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa.

They will be handed over to the Trincomalee Harbour Police for onward legal action.

For the purpose of making fast money, smugglers tend to mislead the innocent and organise this kind of unethical enterprise using unsafe vessels. As such, the Navy urges the public to refrain from risking their lives by engaging in perilous sea voyages and be victims before the law.