According to a recent publication by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), a Bangladeshi fishing vessel with 28 crew members was apprehended for allegedly operating unlawfully within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the northern Bay of Bengal.
The interception occurred during routine monitoring along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). An ICG patrol ship noticed suspicious behavior from a fishing boat, which was attempting to evade detection while navigating through Indian waters.
Upon closer inspection, authorities confirmed that the vessel was indeed a Bangladeshi fishing boat violating the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, established in 1981. A thorough search revealed that none of the crew possessed valid permits or authorization to fish within these maritime boundaries.
The onboard equipment and catch indicated ongoing illegal fishing activities in restricted waters. Consequently, both the boat and its crew were detained and escorted to Namkhana Fishing Harbour. There, they were handed over to local Marine Police for further legal proceedings.
This incident marks the fourth apprehension of Bangladeshi fishing vessels within just one week, underscoring ICG’s commitment to combatting illegal fishing practices and protecting India’s maritime interests.
The Coast Guard emphasized its dedication to maintaining vigilant surveillance across the Bay of Bengal through continuous surface and aerial patrols aimed at enforcing maritime regulations effectively.
Earlier this week on Tuesday, three additional Bangladeshi boats carrying 79 crew members were also intercepted during similar surveillance operations in this region.
