Sri Lankan fishing vessel arrested

Sri Lankan registered Sri Lankan fishing vessel that was intercepted (Photo source: SCG)

A Sri Lankan registered fishing boat has been intercepted by the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) on suspicion of fishing illegally in the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

This is the first arrest of 2020 relating to suspected illegal fishing in Seychelles waters. In 2019, there were seven cases, resulting in five successful prosecutions.

The boat with seven fishermen on board was spotted by a Seychelles Air Force Dornier aircraft during a routine patrol south of Mahé on 26 February .  The Seychelles Coast Guard Patrol ship Etoile was quickly dispatched to intercept the vessel. On boarding in the morning of 27 February, the inspectors from Seychelles Fishing Authority noted evidence of possible illegal fishing activities. The boat was escorted to Port Victoria,and an investigation has begun.