SRI LANKA COAST GUARD ASSIST IN REPATRIATION OF SRI LANKAN FISHING BOAT FREED FROM INDIAN JUDICIAL CUSTODY

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard fast patrol boat aided in the return of the Sri Lankan fishing boat "Takeshi", which was freed from Indian judicial custody on Tuesday, 04^th October 2022.

The repatriation of fishers and the boat was officially carried out in the presence of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Indian Coast Guard at the International Maritime Boundary Line, North of Kankasanthurai after being freed from Indian judicial custody. Indian authorities have confiscated said boat for engaging in illegal fishing as it strayed into Indian waters owing to an engine failure on their previous voyage. The fishing boat "Takeshi," with two fishermen, was turned up to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Fast Patrol Boat CG 407 by the Indian Coast Guard Ship "Rani Durgavathi."

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard directed the freed fishing boat "Takeshi" to Trincomalee Harbour for necessary immigration proceedings. This operation is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of Sri Lanka, Indian officials, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, and the Sri Lanka Navy.