Three Illegal Fishing Boats Seized off Gujarat Coast

Gir Somnath: The Special Operations Group (SOG) of Gir Somnath police has intensified coastal security measures by taking action against illegal fishing activities along the district’s coastline.

During a patrolling operation in the coastal area, the SOG team intercepted three suspicious boats allegedly operating in the sea without valid licences and registration documents. Police said the boats were found fishing without mandatory permissions, following which legal action was initiated against the owners and operators.

During the investigation, officials found that the boats had entered the sea without mandatory online entry registration and fishing tokens required for marine operations.

The boats identified as “Shakarpirni Meherbani”, “Ali Madad” and “Ya Ali Barkat” were found violating provisions of the Gujarat Fisheries Act, 2003. Cases have been registered against the boats at Somnath Marine Police Station.

Police officials said the crackdown sends a strong message against illegal activities along the coastal belt, especially in view of maritime security concerns.

The SOG has also begun questioning the boat owners and operators to ascertain whether there were any other motives or larger networks involved behind the illegal operations.

Officials stated that strict action would continue against anyone entering the sea without following mandatory rules and regulations.