Three Bangladeshi Boats Seized, 28 Fishermen Arrested For Illegal Fishing In Indian Waters

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship, conducting surveillance along the International Maritime Boundary Lines (IMBL) in the northern Bay of Bengal, apprehended a Bangladeshi Fishing Boat (BFB) with 28 crew

members for illegal fishing inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on Thursday, according to an official press release.

During the operation, the ICG ship noticed a suspicious fishing vessel making evasive manoeuvres within Indian waters. The vessel was quickly intercepted and identified as a Bangladeshi fishing boat violating the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981 (MZI Act). The ICG boarding team conducted a thorough search.

None of the 28 Bangladeshi crew members had valid authorisation or permits to fish in the Maritime Zones of India. The fishing gear and onboard catch confirmed active fishing in the prohibited area. The vessel and its crew were subsequently apprehended and escorted to Namkhana Fishing Harbour. Upon arrival, the boat and all crew members were handed over to the Marine Police, Namkhana, for further legal action.

This incident marks the fourth apprehension of a Bangladeshi fishing vessel within a week, highlighting the ICG’s strong commitment to protecting India’s maritime interests, preventing illegal fishing, and ensuring the safety and security of Indian fishermen in Indian waters.

The ICG continues to maintain an uninterrupted vigil in the Bay of Bengal through round-the-clock surface and air surveillance, ensuring effective enforcement of maritime laws and safeguarding national maritime assets.

Earlier, on Tuesday, ICG apprehended three Bangladeshi fishing boats along with 79 crew members. As per the officials, the action was taken during International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) surveillance by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships in the northern Bay of Bengal.