Navy apprehends 06 persons for engaging in illegal night diving in Mannar

A special search operation conducted by the Navy off Pandaraweli, Mannar this morning (01st November 2024) led to the apprehension of 06 suspects who were engaging in illegal night diving to harvest sea cucumbers. The operation also resulted in the seizure of 01 dinghy and 227 illegally harvested sea cucumbers.

The Sri Lanka Navy carries out regular search operations and patrols in the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to preventing illegal fishing practices.

In line with ongoing efforts, SLNS Therapuththa in the Northwestern Naval Command apprehended 06 individuals engaging in illegal night diving to harvest sea cucumbers in the Pandaraweli sea area in the early hours of 01st November. Naval personnel also seized a dinghy and 227 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, during this operation.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Silawathura, Arippu and Nattan areas, aged between 22 and 50. The suspects together with sea cucumbers and the trawler were handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Mannar for onward legal action.