Date:08/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/08/stories/2008120857510200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Sri Lankan fishermen held

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: A total of 42 Sri Lankan fishermen found in the Exclusive Economic Zone between Chennai and Vishakapatnam coasts were apprehended by the Coast Guard on Saturday evening.

Eights boats were seized and the men were handed over to the Kasimedu Fishing Harbour police on Sunday.

According to Eastern Region sources of the Coast Guard, the fishermen were caught during a coordinated sea and air operation. The boats with the Sri Lankan fishermen were spotted by a Coast Guard Dornier Aircraft and were soon apprehended by patrol teams . Three vessels were involved in the operation.

Following preliminary investigations, the Kasimedu Fishing Harbour police booked the fishermen under the Passport Act.

The 42 men, who were produced before a magistrate, were remanded to judicial custody and sent to the Central Prison in Puzhal on Sunday.