The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Thursday apprehended a Bangladeshi fishing boat with 28 crew members for allegedly fishing illegally inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the northern Bay of Bengal, according to an official release.

During routine surveillance along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), an ICG ship reportedly observed a fishing vessel behaving suspiciously and carrying out evasive manoeuvres within Indian waters.

The vessel was intercepted soon after and identified as a Bangladeshi fishing boat operating in violation of the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981.

A detailed rummaging was carried out by the boarding team. Officials stated that none of the 28 Bangladeshi crew members held valid permits or authorisation to fish within India’s maritime zones.

Fishing gear and the catch recovered on board indicated that active fishing had been taking place in the restricted area.

The boat and its crew were detained and escorted to Namkhana Fishing Harbour, where they were handed over to the Marine Police, Namkhana, for further legal action.

This is the fourth Bangladeshi fishing vessel apprehended within a week, reflecting the ICG’s continued efforts to address illegal fishing activities and safeguard India’s maritime interests.

The Coast Guard added that it maintains persistent surveillance across the Bay of Bengal through round-the-clock surface and aerial patrols to ensure effective enforcement of maritime laws.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, ICG ships engaged in IMBL surveillance in the same region apprehended three Bangladeshi fishing boats carrying a total of 79 crew members, officials added.

References: Newsonair, news18