Convener News Desk
New Delhi, Dec 18: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has apprehended two Bangladeshi fishing boats along with 35 crew members for illegally fishing inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the northern Bay of Bengal, officials said on Wednesday.
Commandant Amit Uniyal, Spokesperson f Indian Coast Guards told Kashmir Convener that the boats were intercepted by ICG Ship Anmol during routine maritime surveillance operations on December 16.
The action was taken under the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981.
According to the Coast Guard, the presence of active fishing gear and nearly 500 kilograms of fish catch on board clearly indicated that the vessels were engaged in illegal fishing within Indian waters. The apprehended boats and crew were taken into custody and later handed over to the Marine Police at Frazerganj on December 17 for further legal proceedings.
Officials said the operation highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s continued efforts to protect India’s maritime interests, curb illegal fishing and ensure the safety of Indian fishermen operating in the region.
Over the past three months, the Coast Guard has apprehended eight Bangladeshi fishing boats with a total of 170 crew members for similar violations, officials added.
The ICG said it continues to maintain a strong presence across India’s maritime zones to enforce maritime laws and promote the lawful and responsible use of the seas.
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