Home / Crime and Justice / Fishing Ban Defied: Boat Seized with 16 Fishermen
Fishing Ban Defied: Boat Seized with 16 Fishermen
12 May
Summary
- An unregistered boat from Colachel was impounded with 16 fishermen.
- The boat was caught poaching during the 61-day annual fishing ban.
- 709 kg of fish were seized and auctioned following the detention.
Fisheries Department officials recently impounded an unregistered mechanised boat and detained 16 fishermen aboard. The incident occurred on the east coast during the 61-day annual fishing ban, which is in place from April 15 to June 15 to facilitate fish breeding.
The wooden boat, equipped with a high-power engine and hailing from Colachel in Kanniyakumari district, was found allegedly poaching 17 nautical miles off the Manappad coast. Country boat fishermen alerted the authorities, leading to a swift response.
Joint Director of Fisheries Ilamvazhuthi and Assistant Director G.S. Bushra dispatched three patrol boats equipped with satellite phones. The operation resulted in the detention of the mechanised boat, its 16 crew members, and 709 kg of fish.
The seized catch was auctioned after the boat was brought to Thoothukudi Fishing Harbour. Officials confirmed that a case has been registered against the unregistered boat and its crew for violating the fishing ban in the protected breeding area.
While the fishermen will be released after legal procedures, the boat will remain in the custody of the Fisheries Department. Its release is contingent upon the owner filing an appeal and obtaining all necessary clearances from the concerned authorities.
