The Sri Lanka Navy has apprehended 17 individuals for engaging in illegal fishing activities in separate operations conducted off Silawathura, Vankalai in Mannar, Kalmunai Point in Jaffna and the beach area of Negombo on December 13.
The operations also led to the apprehension of 06 dinghies, diving gear and about 743 illegally harvested sea cucumbers.
The search operations were carried out by SLNS Therapuththa belonging to the Northwestern Naval Command off Silawathura, SLNS Pussadewa of North Central Naval Command off Vankalai, SLNS Welusumana in the Northern Naval Command off the Kalmunai Point and SLNS Kelani belonging to the Western Naval Command in the Negombo beach area.
The operations resulted in the apprehension of 17 individuals who engaged in illegal night diving and fishing without valid passes.
The suspects held in these operations have been identified as residents of Mannar, Vankalai, Negombo, Trincomalee and Jaffna areas, from 25 to 61 years of age.
The individuals, 06 dinghies, diving equipment and sea cucumbers were handed over to the Fisheries Inspectors of Silawathura and Jaffna and Assistant Directorate of Fisheries in Negombo and Mannar for onward legal action.