Naval ship captures Myanmarese poachers

The Hindu , Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Correspondent : Staff Reporter
Mumbai: Indian naval ship Batti Malv apprehended three boats with 23 Myanmarese poachers off Interview Island in the Andaman Islands on last Tuesday, a Defence press release has announced.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that the poachers had planned to extract sea cucumber and sea shells, for which their boats were equipped with deep-sea diving and harvesting gear. A large quantity of diesel, drinking water and food items were indicative of their “intentions of prolonged poaching activity in Indian waters.” About 25 kg of sea cucumbers was found during a search of the boat.

INS Batti Malv spotted the boats while on “a routine surveillance on the western side of the Andaman Islands.”

‘Attempted top flee'

“The warship sighted the suspicious boats and approached them at high speed. On sighting the ship, the poachers attempted to flee using the cover of darkness. However, the ship pursued the boats for over two hours on the high seas and finally apprehended the poachers. Poor visibility and proximity of shallow waters made it difficult to undertake the task of intercepting and investigating the fast moving boats. During the hot pursuit, the ship had to resort to firing warning shots,” the note said.

One of the three boats had reached the shore at Interview Island, where the poachers managed to escape into the dense jungle. However, the marine police launched a search party and apprehended eight poachers.

“The boats and poachers were towed to Diglipur harbour and handed over to the police. This incident is the latest in a list of apprehensions as part of enhanced costal security initiatives undertaken by the Andaman and Nicobar Command towards the overall defence of the Islands. The current apprehension takes the total number of poachers apprehended in 2011 to 115,” the press statement said.

 
SOURCE : http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/16/stories/2011031658770200.htm
 


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