Coast Guard has warned boat operators not to indulge in fishing without valid licence/registration.
Commander of Coast Guard, Puducherry N.Somasundaram said they should not operate boats for fishing without valid licence/ registration, because of imminent threat of seaward terrorist infiltration, illegal human trafficking and possible apprehension by Sri Lankan Navy while crossing the international maritime boundary line.
Routine patrol
On March 25, the Coast Guard Interceptor Craft during routine patrol intercepted a suspected fishing vessel Jay Anjamaputra off Puducherry light house approximately two nautical miles off shore.
A press release from the Coast Guard said preliminary investigation revealed involvement of the boat in fishing activities without valid license/ registration. The boat was brought to Thengaithittu Fishing Harbour for joint interrogation.
A joint interrogation by Coast Guard, State Intelligence Bureau, Coastal Security Group, Port Department and Fisheries Department was held.
Sans licence
During the interrogation, the boat owner revealed that the fishing vessel had been involved in fishing activities for the past two years without any license in Puducherry and Odisha coastal areas.
Approximately two tons of fish held onboard was auctioned by the Fisheries Department and the amount was deposited in the government treasury.
The detained boat will be with Coast Guard Custody until the boat owner produce valid license.
