Indian Coast Guard seizes 2 Bangladeshi boats, 35 crew for illegal fishing

New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 19, 2025 03:50 IST

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on December 16 apprehended two Bangladeshi fishing boats along with 35 crew members for illegally fishing inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Northern Bay of Bengal.

The arrest was carried out by ICG Ship Anmol during routine surveillance operations. Officials said the boats were found violating the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981.

The Coast Guard said the presence of active fishing gear and around 500 kilograms of fish catch clearly showed that fishing operations were underway inside Indian waters at the time of interception.

Following the apprehension, the boats and crew were taken into custody and later handed over to the Marine Police at Frazerganj on December 17 for further legal proceedings under applicable laws.

Officials said the incident highlights the Coast Guard’s continued focus on protecting India’s maritime interests, curbing illegal fishing, and ensuring the safety of Indian fishermen operating in the region.

Over the past three months, the ICG has apprehended eight Bangladeshi fishing boats and detained 170 crew members for similar violations, underscoring a sustained enforcement push in the Bay of Bengal.

The Coast Guard said it will continue maintaining a robust presence across India’s maritime zones to enforce maritime law and promote responsible use of the seas.

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