SRI LANKA COAST GUARD ARRESTED ONE DINGHY WITH A FISHERMAN WHILE ENGAGING IN ILLEGAL NIGHT DIVING PRACTICES

On 26^th March 2023, a fisherman and diving equipment were apprehended by Sri Lanka Coast Guard Personnel from Coast Guard Station Kirinda. The fisherman was caught attempting illegal night diving practices in the "Nidangala" beach area near to Kirinda. Additionally, the operation resulted in the arrest of one Fibre Glass Dinghy with an Out Board Motor (OBM), 30 air cylinders, five kerosene cans (totalling 140 litres), and one shrimp trap.

Night diving practices in Sri Lankan waters are prohibited under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources act 1996 No 2 and part II of extraordinary gazette number 2115/8 dated 18^th March 2019.

The arrested person with apprehended items was handed over to Fisheries Inspector Kirinda for further investigations.