NEW DELHI: The Coast Guard has seized two Bangladeshi trawlers with 78 fishermen, who were engaged in illegal fishing in Indian waters, in what was described as “a significant operation aimed at safeguarding maritime security” by the force.
A Coast Guard ship, on a patrol along the international maritime boundary line (IMBL), spotted the “suspicious activity” of the two trawlers, Laila-2 and Meghna-5, both registered in Bangladesh, within the Indian maritime zone on Monday.
“The trawlers were intercepted and inspected at sea, and then subsequently booked under the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1981. Both vessels were escorted to Paradip for further investigation,” a Coast Guard spokesperson said.
“The operation underscores the Coast Guard’s efforts in maintaining maritime safety, sharp vigilance and swift response to prevent unauthorized incursions and illegal activities at sea, thereby reaffirming its commitment to preserve the integrity of India’s maritime boundaries and ensure the safety of its waters,” he added.
Ever since the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina in August, the Coast Guard has stepped-up its deployment and surveillance along the IMBL to thwart attempts of “illegal migration” through the sea route.
Enhanced aerial surveillance has also been put in place by Coast Guard aircraft operating from Kolkata and Bhubaneswar, especially during dawn and dusk hours, to track any infiltration attempt across the IMBL.