ICG ship apprehends Sri Lankan fishing boat for alleged illegal fishing

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], Apr. 5 (ANI): An Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship, Vaibhav apprehended one Sri Lankan fishing boat Kuvisha Putha 03 with seven crew members onboard for alleged illegal fishing in Indian waters. The apprehension was done yesterday under Maritime Zones of India (MZI) Act during Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Security Patrol. The Sri Lankan Fishing boat was apprehended approx position 150 NM off the Kanyakumari Coast. The apprehended Sri Lankan boat is being escorted by ICGS Aadesh to the Tuticorin harbour for handing over to Coastal Security Group, Tuticorin for further investigation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) yesterday said Sri Lanka released 38 Indian fishermen who will be handed over to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). "38 Indian fishermen, released by Sri Lanka govt wth efforts of HCI, left KKS Naval Stn. To be handed over to Indian Coast Guard at IMBL," MEA official spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted. The Sri Lankan Navy earlier on April 2 apprehend six Indian fishermen near Nainatheevu for allegedly having cocaine and confiscated one boat. The Navy personnel recovered 13.5 kg of cocaine from the possession of the fishermen. The detained fishermen have been taken to the Kangeshanthurai Naval Camp for further investigation. Earlier on March 26, at least 12 Indian fishermen were arrested and two trawler boats were seized by the Lankan Navy from Pudukkottai and Nagapattinam districts of Tamil Nadu. (ANI)