The Indian Coast Guard executed a sharp night operation in the Arabian Sea, intercepting a Pakistani fishing vessel that had entered Indian territorial waters. Officials confirmed the action on Thursday, highlighting the force's vigilance along the maritime frontier.
Swift Interception Near Maritime Boundary
On January 14, an Indian Coast Guard ship on routine patrol spotted the Pakistani fishing boat named Al-Madina operating inside Indian waters. The location was close to the International Maritime Boundary Line, a sensitive area separating India and Pakistan.
When challenged by the Coast Guard, the Pakistani boat attempted to flee back towards Pakistan. However, the ICG vessel swiftly intercepted and boarded it within Indian waters. Officials described the entire operation as precise and conducted under the cover of darkness.
Nine Crew Members Detained
The Coast Guard found a total of nine crew members aboard the intercepted vessel. The boat is now being towed to Porbandar in Gujarat for a thorough inspection and joint interrogation by relevant agencies.
This operation underscores the Indian Coast Guard's unwavering commitment to securing the nation's maritime borders. It demonstrates their constant vigil and strict enforcement of maritime laws across India's vast coastal domain.
Recent Actions Against Illegal Fishing
This incident follows similar enforcement actions by the Coast Guard in recent months. In December of last year, the ICG apprehended two Bangladeshi fishing boats with 35 crew members for illegally fishing within India's Exclusive Economic Zone in the northern Bay of Bengal.
Officials noted the presence of active fishing gear and approximately 500 kilograms of fish catch on those boats, clearly indicating ongoing illegal fishing operations inside Indian waters.
Pattern of Violations
Over the past three months, the Indian Coast Guard has detained eight Bangladeshi fishing boats along with 170 crew members for similar violations. These actions are taken under the Maritime Zones of India Act, which regulates fishing by foreign vessels in Indian waters.
In the December case, the seized Bangladeshi boats and crew were taken into Coast Guard custody and later handed over to the Marine Police at Frazerganj for further legal proceedings.
The consistent enforcement by the Indian Coast Guard sends a strong message about protecting India's maritime resources and sovereignty. These operations reflect a proactive approach to border security and law enforcement at sea.
