Port Blair, Feb 8: The Indian Coast Guard has apprehended 11 Myanmarese and 3 Thai poachers along with their boat namely Sa Pong Khol in an operation on 7th Feb 10. Coast Guard Ship on its patrol mission sighted the suspicious boat near Bompaka Island between Chowra Island and Tillangchong Island at about 1130 hrs on 07 Feb 10. On sighting CG Ship the boat recovered diving equipments and increase speed and tried to escape. The ever vigilant CG Ship intercepted the boat and poachers involved in illegal activities at around 1225 hrs on 07 Feb 2010 in hot pursuit. The operation was coordinated by newly commissioned Indian Coast Guard Station Hutbay. Post commissioning of CG Station Hutbay, CG operation in the region has been given an impetus and now Coast Guard Ships can handover the apprehended poachers and boat to Hutbay rather than getting them to Port Blair. This is facilitating enhanced presence of ship in operational area and reduced time on transit.

 

The poachers were carrying equipment like VHF set for communication, diving compressor and other accessories that are used to conduct diving operation. Initial interrogation revealed that the poachers were carrying out diving in search of sea cucumber, coral and valuable ornamental fishes etc. The ship’s boarding party during search of boat seized approximately 700 kg ornamental fish. It believed that these catches have a high value demand in international market. Coast Guard has increased its surveillance in area and working towards security of Island and protecting national interest in a best possible way. During the operation the Coast Guard was forced to use power to arrest the poachers. No casualities as such was reported. ICGS Kanaklata Barua, presently operating under the command of Commandant SR Das. The boat will be handed over to Police authority at Hutbay for further investigation.

                    

 

Port Blair, Feb 8: All the foreign ships, except Myanmar Naval Ship UMS Anawyahtar from Myanmar sailed out to return to their respective countries from the Naval Wharf on 08 Feb 10. The Ships were seen off at a traditional ceremony attended by Indian Naval Officers and the impressive Military Band. The Military Band present during the ceremony played melodious and impressive military tunes along with our, as well each respective country’s National Anthem.