A Bangladeshi fishing boat with 28 crew members was apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in the Bay of Bengal for illegal fishing within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The incident occurred during a surveillance operation on February 26, when the ICG ship Amrit Kaur detected the vessel operating unlawfully in Indian waters, violating the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981.
Upon interception, Coast Guard teams boarded and inspected the fishing boat, finding that the crew could not provide valid permits for fishing in Indian maritime zones. The fishing gear and catch indicated that they were actively fishing in prohibited areas. Consequently, the boat and its crew were taken into custody and escorted to Frazerganj for legal proceedings.
The ICG emphasized its commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime interests and ensuring the security of local fishermen. The organization maintains continuous surveillance in the Bay of Bengal to enforce maritime laws effectively. In a separate operation earlier in February, the ICG also dismantled an international oil smuggling racket, seizing three vessels and coordinating with law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
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