Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular patrols in island’s waters in view of protecting the ocean as well as fishery resources. Accordingly, Inshore Patrol Craft belonging to the Eastern Naval Command had spotted a suspicious dinghy, while patrolling the Kumburupiddi sea area on 13th June 2020. Upon further search, the Navy managed to apprehend 03 persons engaged in diving to catch fish. The individuals did not even possess valid permit to do so. Accordingly, the suspects along with 01 dinghy, several fishing and diving gear, 15kg of illegally caught fish and 94 sea cucumbers were taken into naval custody.

The accused who are from 29 to 39 years of age were identified as residents of Trincomalee. Meanwhile, the apprehended persons together with the seized items were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Trincomalee for onward investigation.