INDIAN COAST GUARD APPREHENDS BANGLADESHI FISHING BOATS FOR ILLEGAL FISHING IN INDIAN WATERS
Indian Coast Guard Ship Amrit Kaur and Kamla Devi, whilst on IMBL surveillance in the Northern Bay of Bengal, apprehended three (03) Bangladeshi Fishing Boats (BFBs) along with 79 crew (including 03 minors) for illegally fishing inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on 15 and 16 Nov 25.
During the surveillance, Bangladeshi Fishing Boats were detected operating approximately 02 nautical miles inside Indian waters, in violation of the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981 (MZI Act). The BFBs were intercepted, boarded, and thoroughly rummaged by the Indian Coast Guard boarding teams.
The crews of all BFBs were not in possession of any valid authorisation or permit to fish within the Maritime Zones of India. The fishing gear and catch proved active fishing operations within the prohibited area by all BFBs. Subsequently, all BFBs along with respective crews were apprehended and escorted to Frazerganj. Post arrival, all BFBs along with the crew were handed over to the Marine Police at Frazerganj for further legal proceedings.
The apprehension highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s continued commitment to protecting India’s maritime interests, preventing illegal fishing, and ensuring the security of Indian fishermen operating in Indian waters.
The Indian Coast Guard maintains constant vigil in the Bay of Bengal through round-the-clock surface and air surveillance to enforce maritime laws and safeguard national maritime assets.
