Indian naval ship Batti Malv intercepted three boats with Myanmarese poachers off the Interview Island on the Andaman Islands last Tuesday and marine police apprehended 23 poachers, a Defence press release announced on Monday.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that the poachers had planned to extract sea cucumber and sea shells, for which their boats were equipped with deep-sea diving and harvesting gear.
The large quantity of diesel, drinking water and food items seized indicated their “intentions of prolonged poaching activity in Indian waters.”
Sea cucumbers weighing about 25 kg were found during a search of the boat.
“The warship sighted the suspicious boats and approached them at high speed. On sighting the ship, the poachers attempted to flee using the cover of darkness. However, the ship pursued the boats for over two hours on the high seas and finally apprehended the poachers. ,” the note said.
