Port Blair Mar 24: The vigilant ship of Indian Coast Guard, while patrolling near Nancowrie group of Islands on 22 March 2019 apprehended one Indonesian fishing boat with 03 crew, which was illegally fishing in Indian waters. The Coast Guard Ship Rajveer was on a routine patrol of Southern Group of Islands sighted one boat in position 05 miles South of Katchall Island. The Indonesian boat was engaged in fishing activity in Exclusive Economic Zones of India which was in clear violation of Maritime Zones of India Act 1981.
The Coast Guard ship tried to establish communication with the boat on maritime frequency to identify; however, the boat did not respond and increased her speed to run away. Coast Guard ship warned the boat several times on loudhailer and VHF set and also flashed search light indicating the boat to stop and identify, however boat tried to evade and run away from Coast Guard ship. Finally, the boat stopped and surrendered after approximately one hour of chase.
The Coast Guard boarding team boarded the boat and it was found that all three crew of the boat were Indonesian and none of them were holding any valid documents for fishing in Indian waters. The boarding team found about 50 kg of fresh fish onboard. The Coast Guard Ship is escorting the fishing boat to Port Blair, so that joint investigation may be carried out by all security and intelligence agencies.
The Indian Coast Guard has been maintaining constant vigil in Maritime Zones of India by deploying ships and aircraft regularly to monitor suspicious activities in our waters. Indian Coast Guard is also committed to prevent any illegal exploitation of our rich marine reserves. A communique received from PRO Coast Guard.