Indian Coast Guard Ship Amrit Kaur, while on surveillance in the Northern Bay of Bengal, apprehended 01 Bangladeshi Fishing Boats (BFB) along with 28 crew for illegally fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
During the patrol, the ship detected the Bangladeshi fishing boat operating inside Indian waters, in violation of the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981 (MZI Act). The vessels was intercepted, boarded, and thoroughly inspected by the Coast Guard boarding teams.
The crew of the BFB failed to produce any valid authorisation or permit to fish in the maritime zones of India. The fishing gear and catch indicated active fishing operations within the prohibited area.
The boat along with crew were taken into custody and safely escorted to Frazerganj for further legal proceedings.
The apprehension highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s steadfast commitment to words protecting India’s maritime interests, preventing illegal fishing, and ensuring the security of Indian fishermen operating in the region.
The Indian Coast Guard maintains constant vigil in the Bay of Bengal through round-the-clock surface and air surveillance to enforce maritime laws and safeguard national maritime assets.
