Suspected Somali pirates have boarded and hijacked a Sri Lankan fishing trawler with six crew in the latest attack against shipping in the Indian Ocean, Colombo’s navy said Sunday.

“Our information is that they were captured by Somali pirates,” said Sri Lankan navy spokesman Gayan Wickramasuriya, adding that the Lorenzo Putha–4 had been seized on Saturday some 840 nautical miles southeast of the Somali capital Mogadishu.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have launched scores of attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden targeting Israeli-linked vessels in response to Israel’s war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

International naval forces have been diverted north from the Gulf of Aden into the Red Sea, sparking fears of resurgent pirates exploiting the gap, with the first successful case of Somali piracy since 2017 recorded in December.

“Sri Lanka has alerted the Combined Maritime Forces,” Wickramasuriya told AFP, referring to the international anti-piracy coalition.

He said the navy of neighbouring India has&nbsp;already sent a warship to investigate, while the Sri Lankan navy was also preparing a vessel to travel to the area.

Pirate attacks off the Somali coast peaked in 2011 -- with the gunmen launching attacks as far as 3,655 kilometres (2,270 miles) from the Somali coast in the Indian Ocean -- before falling off sharply in recent years.

Last month, Somali pirates hijacked the bulk carrier MV Ruen.

The Bulgaria-owned and Malta-flagged vessel was seized by Somali pirates 380 nautical miles east of the Yemeni island of Socotra on December 16.

The pirates, who released one injured sailor into the care of the Indian navy, took the MV Ruen and its remaining 17 crew members to Somalia’s semi-autonomous state of Puntland.

Earlier this month, Sri Lanka announced it was joining a US-led maritime taskforce in the Red Sea to protect international shipping against attacks by the Houthis.

However, the cash-strapped island is yet to send a vessel.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that Houthi attacks had raised freight costs and were impacting Sri Lanka’s exports of garments and tea. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Suspected Somali pirates have boarded and hijacked a Sri Lankan fishing trawler with six crew in the latest attack against shipping in the Indian Ocean, Colombo’s navy said Sunday.

Suspected Somali pirates have boarded and hijacked a Sri Lankan fishing trawler with six crew in the latest attack against shipping in the Indian Ocean, Colombo’s navy said Sunday. “Our information is that they were captured by Somali pirates,” said Sri Lankan navy spokesman Gayan Wickramasuriya, adding that the Lorenzo Putha–4 had been seized on Saturday some 840 nautical miles southeast of the Somali capital Mogadishu. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have launched scores of attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden targeting Israeli-linked vessels in response to Israel’s war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas. International naval forces have been diverted north from the Gulf of Aden into the Red Sea, sparking fears of resurgent pirates exploiting the gap, with the first successful case of Somali piracy since 2017 recorded in December. “Sri Lanka has alerted the Combined Maritime Forces,” Wickramasuriya told AFP, referring to the international anti-piracy coalition. He said the navy of neighbouring India has already sent a warship to investigate, while the Sri Lankan navy was also preparing a vessel to travel to the area. Pirate attacks off the Somali coast peaked in 2011 -- with the gunmen launching attacks as far as 3,655 kilometres (2,270 miles) from the Somali coast in the Indian Ocean -- before falling off sharply in recent years. Last month, Somali pirates hijacked the bulk carrier MV Ruen. The Bulgaria-owned and Malta-flagged vessel was seized by Somali pirates 380 nautical miles east of the Yemeni island of Socotra on December 16. The pirates, who released one injured sailor into the care of the Indian navy, took the MV Ruen and its remaining 17 crew members to Somalia’s semi-autonomous state of Puntland. Earlier this month, Sri Lanka announced it was joining a US-led maritime taskforce in the Red Sea to protect international shipping against attacks by the Houthis. However, the cash-strapped island is yet to send a vessel. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that Houthi attacks had raised freight costs and were impacting Sri Lanka’s exports of garments and tea. (With inputs from agencies)

Suspected pirates hijack trawler off Somalia: Sri Lanka navy

The mortal remains of an Indian fisherman from Tamil Nadu, who went missing at sea on Monday, were retrieved on Wednesday noon. The boat he was on-board had collided with a Sri Lankan vessel in the Palk Strait, the waters between India and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Two other Indian fishermen who were on the same fishing boat (now sunken) are in Lankan custody since Monday. The two fishermen and the mortal remains of the third fisherman are expected to be repatriated by Wednesday night.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankan-navy-says-2-indian-fishermen-rescued-1-missing-fishermen-allege-navy-sank-boat-422093" hreflang="en">Sri Lankan Navy says 2 Indian fishermen rescued, 1 missing; Fishermen allege Navy sank boat</a>

Three fishermen from Kottapattinam, in the Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu, are said to have been fishing in the area surrounding Delft Island in the Palk Strait. Sri Lanka's navy has identified the two fishermen who were rescued as Xavier and Sakunthran, and the deceased as Rajkiran. In a show of solidarity, fishermen from Kottaipattinam did not venture out to sea on Wednesday.

According to an earlier statement from the Sri Lankan Navy, they rescued two Indian fishermen from a sinking Indian fishing boat that was “poaching” in Sri Lankan waters across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), on Monday. The Lankan Navy maintains that while they were chasing away Indian fishing boats, one of those boats that was attempting to evade collided with a Navy craft, which eventually led to its sinking.&nbsp;

“As the said task being put in to practice, one of the Indian fishing trawlers, with aggressive manoeuvres, in resistance of chase away, was on an attempt to evade from the scene making it collided with SLN Craft in operation. In the process it ultimately descended having lost its stability as well as due to the rough sea condition” read the Lankan Navy statement on Monday’s incident.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-claims-indias-submarine-entered-its-waters-indian-sources-call-it-fake-422069" hreflang="en">Pak claims India's submarine entered its waters; Indian sources call it fake</a>

However, Indian fishermen allege that the Sri Lankan Navy vessel had deliberately crashed into the Indian fishing boat, with the intention of sinking it. They are of the impression that the third person(Rajkiran), whom they say was steering the boat from within the wheelhouse was trapped within and sank along with the boat.

The National Traditional Fishermen Federation of India believes that the incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy was deliberate retribution for another incident involving an Indian boat.

There was an incident a few weeks back when an Indian fishing trawler collided with and sank a smaller Lankan fishing boat. Even though the Lankan boat was completely damaged and lost, the Lankan fishermen survived and returned to shore.&nbsp;

It is contested that things could have been resolved amicably if the Indian government or Tamil Nadu government had taken action against the errant Indian boat and offered compensation to the Lankan fishermen.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/must-convert-it-to-usable-cash-visually-challenged-senior-approaches-collector-with-65k-in-demonetised-cash-422086" hreflang="en">'Must convert it to usable cash', visually challenged senior approaches collector with 65k in demonetised cash</a>

The local fishermen also see an unfortunate similarity between Monday’s incident and one that took place in January this year. They allege that in a similar incident in January, the Lankan Navy had rammed their vessels into an Indian boat, which resulted in the death of four fishermen.&nbsp;&nbsp;

They believe that discussions between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen would resolve some of the misunderstandings arising from the collision and the alleged trespass. They are also aggrieved by the Tamil Nadu Government and the Indian Government's lack of concern for their lives.&nbsp;

In recent times, Northern Sri Lankan fishermen have also been protesting against Indian boats that venture into their waters, carrying out alleged illegal fishing activity. They've also made attempts to pressure the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to take action against those engaged in illegal fishing.

The mortal remains of an Indian fisherman from Tamil Nadu, who went missing at sea on Monday, were retrieved on Wednesday noon. The boat he was on-board had collided with a Sri Lankan vessel in the Palk Strait, the waters between India and Sri Lanka.

The mortal remains of an Indian fisherman from Tamil Nadu, who went missing at sea on Monday, were retrieved on Wednesday noon. The boat he was on-board had collided with a Sri Lankan vessel in the Palk Strait, the waters between India and Sri Lanka. Two other Indian fishermen who were on the same fishing boat (now sunken) are in Lankan custody since Monday. The two fishermen and the mortal remains of the third fisherman are expected to be repatriated by Wednesday night. Also read | Sri Lankan Navy says 2 Indian fishermen rescued, 1 missing; Fishermen allege Navy sank boat Three fishermen from Kottapattinam, in the Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu, are said to have been fishing in the area surrounding Delft Island in the Palk Strait. Sri Lanka's navy has identified the two fishermen who were rescued as Xavier and Sakunthran, and the deceased as Rajkiran. In a show of solidarity, fishermen from Kottaipattinam did not venture out to sea on Wednesday. According to an earlier statement from the Sri Lankan Navy, they rescued two Indian fishermen from a sinking Indian fishing boat that was “poaching” in Sri Lankan waters across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), on Monday. The Lankan Navy maintains that while they were chasing away Indian fishing boats, one of those boats that was attempting to evade collided with a Navy craft, which eventually led to its sinking. “As the said task being put in to practice, one of the Indian fishing trawlers, with aggressive manoeuvres, in resistance of chase away, was on an attempt to evade from the scene making it collided with SLN Craft in operation. In the process it ultimately descended having lost its stability as well as due to the rough sea condition” read the Lankan Navy statement on Monday’s incident. Also read | Pak claims India's submarine entered its waters; Indian sources call it fake However, Indian fishermen allege that the Sri Lankan Navy vessel had deliberately crashed into the Indian fishing boat, with the intention of sinking it. They are of the impression that the third person(Rajkiran), whom they say was steering the boat from within the wheelhouse was trapped within and sank along with the boat. The National Traditional Fishermen Federation of India believes that the incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy was deliberate retribution for another incident involving an Indian boat. There was an incident a few weeks back when an Indian fishing trawler collided with and sank a smaller Lankan fishing boat. Even though the Lankan boat was completely damaged and lost, the Lankan fishermen survived and returned to shore. It is contested that things could have been resolved amicably if the Indian government or Tamil Nadu government had taken action against the errant Indian boat and offered compensation to the Lankan fishermen. Also read | 'Must convert it to usable cash', visually challenged senior approaches collector with 65k in demonetised cash The local fishermen also see an unfortunate similarity between Monday’s incident and one that took place in January this year. They allege that in a similar incident in January, the Lankan Navy had rammed their vessels into an Indian boat, which resulted in the death of four fishermen. They believe that discussions between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen would resolve some of the misunderstandings arising from the collision and the alleged trespass. They are also aggrieved by the Tamil Nadu Government and the Indian Government's lack of concern for their lives. In recent times, Northern Sri Lankan fishermen have also been protesting against Indian boats that venture into their waters, carrying out alleged illegal fishing activity. They've also made attempts to pressure the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to take action against those engaged in illegal fishing.

Mortal remains of missing Indian fisherman retrieved, 2 others in Sri Lankan custody

According to the Sri Lankan Navy, they rescued two Indian fishermen from a sinking Indian fishing boat that was “poaching” in Sri Lankan waters, across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), on Monday.&nbsp;

They added the search and rescue operations were underway to find a third fisherman who was on-board the fishing boat.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Navy officials maintain that, as they were chasing away Indian fishing vessels, a boat trying to evade them collided with one of their Navy crafts and sank.

“As the said task being put in to practice, one of the Indian fishing trawlers, with aggressive manoeuvres, in resistance of chase away, was on an attempt to evade from the scene making it collided with SLN Craft in operation. In the process it ultimately descended having lost its stability as well as due to the rough sea condition.” read the Lankan Navy statement on Monday’s incident.&nbsp;

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Pics of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> fishermen from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tamilnadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tamilnadu</a> who were involved in an incident with SL navy while fishing near Delft island 
 
SL Navy says 2 of them were saved,1 missing ; fishers assn allege that SL navy rammed into them and sank their boat, missing fisherman is dead <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fishing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fishing</a> <a href="https://t.co/aMO3ia1tcv">pic.twitter.com/aMO3ia1tcv</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1450400882260996097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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However, Indian fishermen allege that the Sri Lankan Navy vessel had deliberately crashed into the Indian fishing boat, with the intention of sinking it.&nbsp;

They believe the third person (Rajkiran), who they say was steering the boat from the wheelhouse, was trapped and sank along with the boat.

These three fishermen from Kottapattinam, in Tamil Nadu's Pudukottai district, are said to have&nbsp;been fishing near Delft Island, which lies between Sri Lanka and India, in the Palk Strait.&nbsp;

The two fishermen who were rescued and are in Sri Lankan custody are identified as Xavier and Sakunthran.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-claims-indias-submarine-entered-its-waters-indian-sources-call-it-fake-422069" hreflang="en">Pak claims India's submarine entered its waters; Indian sources call it fake</a>

According to India’s National Traditional Fishermen Federation, this incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy is deliberate retribution for another recent untoward incident, which involved an Indian boat.&nbsp;

A few weeks back, a large Indian fishing trawler from Tamil Nadu had collided with and sunk a smaller Lankan fishing boat. While the Lankan boat was fully damaged and lost, the Lankan fishermen survived and returned to the shore.&nbsp;

It is believed that the situation could have been amicably resolved if the Indian government or the Tamil Nadu government had taken some action against the errant boat and offered compensation to the Lankan fishermen.&nbsp;

The local fishermen also see an unfortunate similarity between Monday’s incident and one that took place in January this year. According to them, in January, the Lankan Navy had rammed their boats into an Indian boat, following which the bodies of the four fishermen were returned to the Indians.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/must-convert-it-to-usable-cash-visually-challenged-senior-approaches-collector-with-65k-in-demonetised-cash-422086" hreflang="en">'Must convert it to usable cash', visually challenged senior approaches collector with 65k in demonetised cash</a>

The fishermen believe that holding talks between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen would help resolve some of the misunderstandings that stem from the recent collision and alleged instances of trespasses.&nbsp;

Fishermen in Northern Sri Lanka have recently protested against Indian boats, that have been allegedly venturing into their waters to engage in illegal fishing activities. They have also made attempts to pressure the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to take action against those involved in illegal fishing.

According to the Sri Lankan Navy, they rescued two Indian fishermen from a sinking Indian fishing boat that was “poaching” in Sri Lankan waters, across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), on Monday.

According to the Sri Lankan Navy, they rescued two Indian fishermen from a sinking Indian fishing boat that was “poaching” in Sri Lankan waters, across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), on Monday. They added the search and rescue operations were underway to find a third fisherman who was on-board the fishing boat. Sri Lankan Navy officials maintain that, as they were chasing away Indian fishing vessels, a boat trying to evade them collided with one of their Navy crafts and sank. “As the said task being put in to practice, one of the Indian fishing trawlers, with aggressive manoeuvres, in resistance of chase away, was on an attempt to evade from the scene making it collided with SLN Craft in operation. In the process it ultimately descended having lost its stability as well as due to the rough sea condition.” read the Lankan Navy statement on Monday’s incident. Pics of #Indian fishermen from #tamilnadu who were involved in an incident with SL navy while fishing near Delft island SL Navy says 2 of them were saved,1 missing ; fishers assn allege that SL navy rammed into them and sank their boat, missing fisherman is dead #fishing pic.twitter.com/aMO3ia1tcv — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 19, 2021 × However, Indian fishermen allege that the Sri Lankan Navy vessel had deliberately crashed into the Indian fishing boat, with the intention of sinking it. They believe the third person (Rajkiran), who they say was steering the boat from the wheelhouse, was trapped and sank along with the boat. These three fishermen from Kottapattinam, in Tamil Nadu's Pudukottai district, are said to have been fishing near Delft Island, which lies between Sri Lanka and India, in the Palk Strait. The two fishermen who were rescued and are in Sri Lankan custody are identified as Xavier and Sakunthran. Also read | Pak claims India's submarine entered its waters; Indian sources call it fake According to India’s National Traditional Fishermen Federation, this incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy is deliberate retribution for another recent untoward incident, which involved an Indian boat. A few weeks back, a large Indian fishing trawler from Tamil Nadu had collided with and sunk a smaller Lankan fishing boat. While the Lankan boat was fully damaged and lost, the Lankan fishermen survived and returned to the shore. It is believed that the situation could have been amicably resolved if the Indian government or the Tamil Nadu government had taken some action against the errant boat and offered compensation to the Lankan fishermen. The local fishermen also see an unfortunate similarity between Monday’s incident and one that took place in January this year. According to them, in January, the Lankan Navy had rammed their boats into an Indian boat, following which the bodies of the four fishermen were returned to the Indians. Also read | 'Must convert it to usable cash', visually challenged senior approaches collector with 65k in demonetised cash The fishermen believe that holding talks between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen would help resolve some of the misunderstandings that stem from the recent collision and alleged instances of trespasses. Fishermen in Northern Sri Lanka have recently protested against Indian boats, that have been allegedly venturing into their waters to engage in illegal fishing activities. They have also made attempts to pressure the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities to take action against those involved in illegal fishing.

Sri Lankan Navy says 2 Indian fishermen rescued, 1 missing; Fishermen allege Navy sank boat

The Sri Lankan Navy has apprehended a trawler, allegedly involved in drug trafficking, in the high seas off Male, and brought it back to Colombo.

Seven persons, all Pakistan nationals, were taken in custody, and 336 kg heroin was seized in the operation earlier this week.

The trawler, reportedly acting as a multi-day fishing trawler, was transporting drug consignments to other boats, and investigations are still in progress.

No weapons were recovered so far.

The stock of heroin weighing 336 kg with a street value of around Rs 3.1 billion was detected by the Sri Lanka Navy was found in this operation.

A seven-member crew were found to be Pakistan nationals with a multi-day fishing vessel used to transport the heroin from a foreign port.

The operation was the culmination of a stringent three weeks of surveillance and information sharing between the Navy and intelligence agencies.

The Sri Lankan Navy has apprehended a trawler, allegedly involved in drug trafficking, in the high seas off Male, and brought it back to Colombo. Seven persons, all Pakistan nationals, were taken in custody, and 336 kg heroin was seized in the operation earlier this week.

The Sri Lankan Navy has apprehended a trawler, allegedly involved in drug trafficking, in the high seas off Male, and brought it back to Colombo. Seven persons, all Pakistan nationals, were taken in custody, and 336 kg heroin was seized in the operation earlier this week. The trawler, reportedly acting as a multi-day fishing trawler, was transporting drug consignments to other boats, and investigations are still in progress. No weapons were recovered so far. The stock of heroin weighing 336 kg with a street value of around Rs 3.1 billion was detected by the Sri Lanka Navy was found in this operation. A seven-member crew were found to be Pakistan nationals with a multi-day fishing vessel used to transport the heroin from a foreign port. The operation was the culmination of a stringent three weeks of surveillance and information sharing between the Navy and intelligence agencies.

Sri Lankan Navy seize 336 kg heroin, apprehend 7 Pakistanis 

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested at least 54 Indian fishermen and seized five trawlers for allegedly poaching in the country''s territorial waters, an official statement said on Thursday. 
The Navy arrested the fishermen on Wednesday off the coast of northern and northeastern areas.

“Having considered the impact of foreign fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters on the local fishing community and the sustainability of fishery resources of Sri Lanka, the Navy is conducting regular patrols to curb illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters”, the Navy said in the statement.

The Navy nabbed a large Indian fishing vessel with 14 personnel on board, about 3 nautical miles off the coast of Kovilan in Jaffna.

Two more Indian fishing vessels with 20 personnel for engaging in trawling were arrested about 7 nautical miles off Pesalai, Mannar and 5 nautical miles off the Iranativu Island, the statement said.

Two more Indian fishing vessels with 20 personnel were arrested about 7.5 and 8.5 nautical miles off Mullaitivu. The two vessels had trespassed into Sri Lankan waters about 62 nautical miles, crossing the International Boundary Line (IMBL) when the apprehension was made, the Navy said in a statement.

The Navy said it had previously informed the Indian authorities when similar incidents of trawling by Indian fishermen were reported.

“The illegal entry of foreign fishermen into Sri Lankan waters and the use of prohibited fishing methods like bottom trawling to catch even very small fish has seriously threatened the marine ecosystem and endanger the livelihood of fishermen in the northern part of the island”.

In January, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested nine Indian fishermen and seized one mechanised boat for allegedly fishing in that country''s waters.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested at least 54 Indian fishermen and seized five trawlers for allegedly poaching in the country''s territorial waters, an official statement said on Thursday.

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested at least 54 Indian fishermen and seized five trawlers for allegedly poaching in the country''s territorial waters, an official statement said on Thursday. The Navy arrested the fishermen on Wednesday off the coast of northern and northeastern areas. “Having considered the impact of foreign fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters on the local fishing community and the sustainability of fishery resources of Sri Lanka, the Navy is conducting regular patrols to curb illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters”, the Navy said in the statement. The Navy nabbed a large Indian fishing vessel with 14 personnel on board, about 3 nautical miles off the coast of Kovilan in Jaffna. Two more Indian fishing vessels with 20 personnel for engaging in trawling were arrested about 7 nautical miles off Pesalai, Mannar and 5 nautical miles off the Iranativu Island, the statement said. Two more Indian fishing vessels with 20 personnel were arrested about 7.5 and 8.5 nautical miles off Mullaitivu. The two vessels had trespassed into Sri Lankan waters about 62 nautical miles, crossing the International Boundary Line (IMBL) when the apprehension was made, the Navy said in a statement. The Navy said it had previously informed the Indian authorities when similar incidents of trawling by Indian fishermen were reported. “The illegal entry of foreign fishermen into Sri Lankan waters and the use of prohibited fishing methods like bottom trawling to catch even very small fish has seriously threatened the marine ecosystem and endanger the livelihood of fishermen in the northern part of the island”. In January, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested nine Indian fishermen and seized one mechanised boat for allegedly fishing in that country''s waters.

Sri Lanka Navy arrests 54 Indian fishermen, seizes 5 trawlers

A Sri Lankan court on Thursday issued a notice to the captain of the Greek-owned oil tanker that caught fire off the country's eastern coast to appear before it on September 28.

The Colombo chief magistrate court's order comes a day after Attorney General Dappula de Livera staked a claim of USD 1.8 million for the costs incurred on dousing the fire on board the Panama-registered tanker MT New Diamond that went up in flames on September 3.

The Attorney General had also asked the CID to report the facts to the court and obtain notice against the vessel's captain. He was to be charged for committing offenses under the Marine Pollution Environmental Protection Act.

The court ordered the captain of the oil tanker to appear before it on September 28.

New Diamond, a vessel under charter by the Indian Oil Corporation, was carrying 270,000 metric tons of crude oil from Mina Al Ahmadi port in Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip when a boiler explosion in its engine room caused fire off the coast of Sangamankanda in Ampara district. A Filipino crew member died and another was injured in the mishap.

Sri Lanka Navy with the help of Indian counterparts and coast guards doused the fire after great effort.

The ship is currently in the seas 70 nautical miles east of Batticaloa in the east and 129 kilometers away from the Batticaloa coast.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/onion-prices-shoot-up-in-bangladesh-after-india-announces-export-ban-328184">Onion prices shoot up in Bangladesh after India announces export ban</a>

Two Sri Lankan naval ships, one Indian naval ship, and 3 Indian coast guard vessels are currently deployed in the operations near the oil tanker.

Some 5 ships of Indian coast guard and one Indian Navy ship engaged in fire fighting, the Sri Lanka Navy said early this month.

The tanker had 23 crew members - 18 Filipinos and five Greeks. Twenty-two of the 23 member crew had been safely rescued off the tanker. 
&nbsp;

A Sri Lankan court on Thursday issued a notice to the captain of the Greek-owned oil tanker that caught fire off the country's eastern coast to appear before it on September 28.

A Sri Lankan court on Thursday issued a notice to the captain of the Greek-owned oil tanker that caught fire off the country's eastern coast to appear before it on September 28. The Colombo chief magistrate court's order comes a day after Attorney General Dappula de Livera staked a claim of USD 1.8 million for the costs incurred on dousing the fire on board the Panama-registered tanker MT New Diamond that went up in flames on September 3. The Attorney General had also asked the CID to report the facts to the court and obtain notice against the vessel's captain. He was to be charged for committing offenses under the Marine Pollution Environmental Protection Act. The court ordered the captain of the oil tanker to appear before it on September 28. New Diamond, a vessel under charter by the Indian Oil Corporation, was carrying 270,000 metric tons of crude oil from Mina Al Ahmadi port in Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip when a boiler explosion in its engine room caused fire off the coast of Sangamankanda in Ampara district. A Filipino crew member died and another was injured in the mishap. Sri Lanka Navy with the help of Indian counterparts and coast guards doused the fire after great effort. The ship is currently in the seas 70 nautical miles east of Batticaloa in the east and 129 kilometers away from the Batticaloa coast. ALSO READ | Onion prices shoot up in Bangladesh after India announces export ban Two Sri Lankan naval ships, one Indian naval ship, and 3 Indian coast guard vessels are currently deployed in the operations near the oil tanker. Some 5 ships of Indian coast guard and one Indian Navy ship engaged in fire fighting, the Sri Lanka Navy said early this month. The tanker had 23 crew members - 18 Filipinos and five Greeks. Twenty-two of the 23 member crew had been safely rescued off the tanker.

Sri Lanka court summons captain of oil tanker that caught fire

The fire on MT New Diamond oil supertanker has been doused. But the race is now on to plug the fuel leak. Salvors are still taking quick measures to plug breach in one of the fuel tankers. The leaking fuel has left two trails on the sea. MT New Diamond is currently 83 km away from the Sri Lankan coast in the Indian Ocean.

There are no report of the fuel trail being dangerous to the extent that it may lead to a catastrophe. But&nbsp;it is indeed necessary that the leaking fuel tanker be fixed so that chances of any untoward incident are eliminated.

“Salvage operations are continuing. The engine room has been de-smoked. They have identified the bunker oil tank that is leaking. The next step is to empty it and then to repair the leak,” said Indika De Silva, Spokesperson of Sri Lankan Navy. He was quoted by Reuters. He further said that oil cargo the ship was carrying was intact.

Authorities want to avoid damage to the coast line like that suffered by Mauritius after the Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio struck a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island on July 25 and began spilling oil on Aug. 6.

Also Read | <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/indian-coast-guard-rescues-9-fishermen-boat-drifts-in-sri-lankan-waters-326705">Indian Coast Guard rescues 9 fishermen, boat drifts in Sri Lankan waters</a>

MT New Diamond is a Greek-owned ship that was chartered by Indian Oil. It was hauling crude oil from Kuwait to Paradip in Odisha. The fire at the ship started because of a blast in the ship's engine room on September 3. Joint efforts by Indian and Sri Lankan Navy brought the fire under control but it reignited on September 7. Firefighting efforts ensured that the fire was completely doused on September 9.

Sri Lanka’s Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has said it plans to take action against the ship’s owner under the country’s laws to protect the marine ecosystem.

The fire on MT New Diamond oil supertanker has been doused. But the race is now on to plug the fuel leak. Salvors are still taking quick measures to plug breach in one of the fuel tankers.

The fire on MT New Diamond oil supertanker has been doused. But the race is now on to plug the fuel leak. Salvors are still taking quick measures to plug breach in one of the fuel tankers. The leaking fuel has left two trails on the sea. MT New Diamond is currently 83 km away from the Sri Lankan coast in the Indian Ocean. There are no report of the fuel trail being dangerous to the extent that it may lead to a catastrophe. But it is indeed necessary that the leaking fuel tanker be fixed so that chances of any untoward incident are eliminated. “Salvage operations are continuing. The engine room has been de-smoked. They have identified the bunker oil tank that is leaking. The next step is to empty it and then to repair the leak,” said Indika De Silva, Spokesperson of Sri Lankan Navy. He was quoted by Reuters. He further said that oil cargo the ship was carrying was intact. Authorities want to avoid damage to the coast line like that suffered by Mauritius after the Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio struck a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island on July 25 and began spilling oil on Aug. 6. Also Read | Indian Coast Guard rescues 9 fishermen, boat drifts in Sri Lankan waters MT New Diamond is a Greek-owned ship that was chartered by Indian Oil. It was hauling crude oil from Kuwait to Paradip in Odisha. The fire at the ship started because of a blast in the ship's engine room on September 3. Joint efforts by Indian and Sri Lankan Navy brought the fire under control but it reignited on September 7. Firefighting efforts ensured that the fire was completely doused on September 9. Sri Lanka’s Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has said it plans to take action against the ship’s owner under the country’s laws to protect the marine ecosystem.

Sri Lanka oil tanker: Fire doused but efforts to plug fuel leak continue

The Indian Coast guard (ICG) has allayed fears of a possible oil leak at the site of the MT New Diamond, 40 miles off the Sri Lankan Coast. The latest statement from the ICG says that a team of naval architects that boarded the oil tanker on Wednesday, has found the vessel’s stability to be in the safe zone and there is no breach of its tanks. In an improvement from the situation that persisted on Tuesday, there are currently no hotspots, flames/smoke on-board.&nbsp;

However, the rear portion of the vessel (aft) has sunken into the water by 1 metre, a slight increase from its earlier position of 3 feet. Efforts are underway to get the ship on even keel with the assistance of the salvors.

The Coast guard has also officially confirmed that the minor oil sheen sighted near aft (rear) of MT New Diamond on Tuesday, was part of the unburnt oil/ Oil mixed with water, in the ship’s engine room. This region of the ship had been spared from the explosion onboard on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/oil-slick-near-mt-new-diamond-is-from-explosion-not-cargo-hold-sources-326255">WION had earlier reported</a> that the oil slick was from the explosion and not from the cargo hold.&nbsp;

In Pollution Response configuration, ICG Dornier aircraft sprayed Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD) to disintegrate the sheen on Tuesday and Wednesday. The ships were used to churn the waters to accelerate the disintegration of the oil sheen.

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“The three lakh metric tonnes cargo of Kuwait crude being carried by the vessel is intact, not a drop of it has leaked. Our ships are equipped and prepared to even contain and perform recovery operations even in the event of an unfortunate spill” Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard said. He expressed hope that the Coast guard would be able to recover the entire cargo and create maritime history, as they had done earlier in 2016, at the Gulf of Kutch.&nbsp;

Speaking of the challenges involved in the current operation he said that the ships and tugs are required to maintain a 10-15 meter distance from the burning vessel to remain safe, adding that the vessels had to simultaneously douse the fire and cool different parts of the ship.&nbsp;

“There is a breach on the port side of the superstructure and the hull and the crack on the deck above the waterline. However, these breaches are not causing any entry of seawater” DG, Coast Guard added.

Currently, 7 ICG vessels are on site to aid in the phase 2 operations in the recovery of MT new Diamond, as phase 1(fire-fighting) is said to have ended. ICG has been at the forefront of this operation since Thursday, September 3rd. 
&nbsp;

The Indian Coast guard (ICG) has allayed fears of a possible oil leak at the site of the MT New Diamond, 40 miles off the Sri Lankan Coast. The latest statement from the ICG says that a team of naval architects that boarded the oil tanker on Wednesday, has found the vessel’s stability to be in the safe zone and there is no breach of its tanks.

The Indian Coast guard (ICG) has allayed fears of a possible oil leak at the site of the MT New Diamond, 40 miles off the Sri Lankan Coast. The latest statement from the ICG says that a team of naval architects that boarded the oil tanker on Wednesday, has found the vessel’s stability to be in the safe zone and there is no breach of its tanks. In an improvement from the situation that persisted on Tuesday, there are currently no hotspots, flames/smoke on-board. However, the rear portion of the vessel (aft) has sunken into the water by 1 metre, a slight increase from its earlier position of 3 feet. Efforts are underway to get the ship on even keel with the assistance of the salvors. The Coast guard has also officially confirmed that the minor oil sheen sighted near aft (rear) of MT New Diamond on Tuesday, was part of the unburnt oil/ Oil mixed with water, in the ship’s engine room. This region of the ship had been spared from the explosion onboard on Monday. WION had earlier reported that the oil slick was from the explosion and not from the cargo hold. In Pollution Response configuration, ICG Dornier aircraft sprayed Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD) to disintegrate the sheen on Tuesday and Wednesday. The ships were used to churn the waters to accelerate the disintegration of the oil sheen. × “The three lakh metric tonnes cargo of Kuwait crude being carried by the vessel is intact, not a drop of it has leaked. Our ships are equipped and prepared to even contain and perform recovery operations even in the event of an unfortunate spill” Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard said. He expressed hope that the Coast guard would be able to recover the entire cargo and create maritime history, as they had done earlier in 2016, at the Gulf of Kutch. Speaking of the challenges involved in the current operation he said that the ships and tugs are required to maintain a 10-15 meter distance from the burning vessel to remain safe, adding that the vessels had to simultaneously douse the fire and cool different parts of the ship. “There is a breach on the port side of the superstructure and the hull and the crack on the deck above the waterline. However, these breaches are not causing any entry of seawater” DG, Coast Guard added. Currently, 7 ICG vessels are on site to aid in the phase 2 operations in the recovery of MT new Diamond, as phase 1(fire-fighting) is said to have ended. ICG has been at the forefront of this operation since Thursday, September 3rd.

Not a drop of oil leak into sea from MT New diamond cargo hold, says Director General of Indian Coast Guard

Indian Coast Guard on Saturday tweeted that firefighting to put out the fire at oil tanker MT New Diamond was still on. The Coast Guard added that there was 'no oil slick'. The oil tanker ship contains around 300,000 tonnes of crude oil and an oil spill would be disastrous.

Both, Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lankan Navy are undertaking joint efforts to put out the flames. The oil tanker has been towed further away from Sri Lankan coast into safe waters.

"#ICG &amp; Sri Lankan ships and aircraft alongwith tug ALP Winger after consolidated efforts successfully towed &nbsp; #MTNewDiamond more than 35 NM away from &nbsp;#SriLanka coast to safe waters. #FireFighting continues and fire now reduced. No oil slick reported," Indian Coast Guard tweeted.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICG</a> &amp; Sri Lankan ships and aircraft alongwith tug ALP Winger after consolidated efforts successfully towed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTNewDiamond?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTNewDiamond</a> more than 35 NM away from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> coast to safe waters. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FireFighting?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FireFighting</a> continues and fire now reduced. No oil slick reported. <a href="https://t.co/bvbnd1fLtw">pic.twitter.com/bvbnd1fLtw</a>
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard/status/1302061752465502210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

On Friday, there was a positive development as the rescue ships were able to douse the fire at crew accommodation area of the oil tanker. 22 of the 23 crew members have been rescued and search is on for 1 Filipino crew member who is missing.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/sri-lanka-gazettes-constitution-amendment-draft-that-proposes-legal-immunity-for-president-325157">Sri Lanka gazettes Constitution Amendment draft that proposes legal immunity for president</a>

Coast Guard prepares for an oil spill:

Although it has said that there was no oil slick as of now, Indian Coast Guard is preparing for all eventualities. Coast Guard aircrafts with pollution control spray pods and oil spill dispersants have been mobilised. The coast guard has also pressed more ships with pollution control equipments into the firefight.

Pollution response teams of Indian Coast Guard are on standby as well. 
&nbsp;

Indian Coast Guard on Saturday tweeted that firefighting to put out the fire at oil tanker MT New Diamond was still on. The Coast Guard added that there was 'no oil slick'.

Indian Coast Guard on Saturday tweeted that firefighting to put out the fire at oil tanker MT New Diamond was still on. The Coast Guard added that there was 'no oil slick'. The oil tanker ship contains around 300,000 tonnes of crude oil and an oil spill would be disastrous. Both, Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lankan Navy are undertaking joint efforts to put out the flames. The oil tanker has been towed further away from Sri Lankan coast into safe waters. "#ICG & Sri Lankan ships and aircraft alongwith tug ALP Winger after consolidated efforts successfully towed #MTNewDiamond more than 35 NM away from #SriLanka coast to safe waters. #FireFighting continues and fire now reduced. No oil slick reported," Indian Coast Guard tweeted. #ICG & Sri Lankan ships and aircraft alongwith tug ALP Winger after consolidated efforts successfully towed #MTNewDiamond more than 35 NM away from #SriLanka coast to safe waters. #FireFighting continues and fire now reduced. No oil slick reported. pic.twitter.com/bvbnd1fLtw — Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) September 5, 2020 × On Friday, there was a positive development as the rescue ships were able to douse the fire at crew accommodation area of the oil tanker. 22 of the 23 crew members have been rescued and search is on for 1 Filipino crew member who is missing. Also Read: Sri Lanka gazettes Constitution Amendment draft that proposes legal immunity for president Coast Guard prepares for an oil spill: Although it has said that there was no oil slick as of now, Indian Coast Guard is preparing for all eventualities. Coast Guard aircrafts with pollution control spray pods and oil spill dispersants have been mobilised. The coast guard has also pressed more ships with pollution control equipments into the firefight. Pollution response teams of Indian Coast Guard are on standby as well.

Sri Lanka oil tanker fire: Firefighting continues, tweets Indian Coast Guard

All the 906 Sri Lankan Navy personnel, who tested positive for the coronavirus in April while assisting health authorities to capture drug addicts with the infection, have recovered, the Navy said on Tuesday.

In early April the sailors at the Welisara Navy camp in a northern suburb were found positive for the COVID-19 after they assisted health authorities to apprehend a number of drug addicts who were to be quarantined.

The first Navy victim of COVID-19 was reported mid-April when the camp was ordered to be closed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-govt-claims-ravana-was-the-worlds-first-aviator-314725" hreflang="en">Sri Lankan govt claims Ravana was the world's first aviator</a>

''The Welisara Sri Lanka Navy cluster is no more infected as all 906 sailors have now recovered from the coronavirus,''&nbsp;Captain Indika de Silva, who is also Navy's spokesperson, said.

Sri Lanka has so far recorded 2,728 COVID positive cases but only about 600 of them are currently in hospitals. 
So far 11 deaths have been reported due to the contagious coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinas-debt-trap-is-india-out-of-the-colombo-port-deal-314771" hreflang="en">China's debt trap: Is India out of the Colombo Port deal?</a>

Sri Lanka is still grappling with its second largest cluster with&nbsp;over 500 cases from a drug rehabilitation center in the north central region. 
A sudden spike two weeks ago nearly forced another lockdown as contact tracing from the drug center led to cases from many areas. However the authorities said the cluster had been brought under control.

The sudden spike led to more stringent application of quarantine laws with people being arrested on the streets for non-wearing of masks.

Sri Lanka is scheduled to hold parliamentary polls on August 5 and it was only last week that health guidelines for conducting the election were announced.

All the 906 Sri Lankan Navy personnel, who tested positive for the coronavirus in April while assisting health authorities to capture drug addicts with the infection, have recovered, the Navy said on Tuesday.

All the 906 Sri Lankan Navy personnel, who tested positive for the coronavirus in April while assisting health authorities to capture drug addicts with the infection, have recovered, the Navy said on Tuesday. In early April the sailors at the Welisara Navy camp in a northern suburb were found positive for the COVID-19 after they assisted health authorities to apprehend a number of drug addicts who were to be quarantined. The first Navy victim of COVID-19 was reported mid-April when the camp was ordered to be closed. Also read: Sri Lankan govt claims Ravana was the world's first aviator ''The Welisara Sri Lanka Navy cluster is no more infected as all 906 sailors have now recovered from the coronavirus,'' Captain Indika de Silva, who is also Navy's spokesperson, said. Sri Lanka has so far recorded 2,728 COVID positive cases but only about 600 of them are currently in hospitals. So far 11 deaths have been reported due to the contagious coronavirus. Also read: China's debt trap: Is India out of the Colombo Port deal? Sri Lanka is still grappling with its second largest cluster with over 500 cases from a drug rehabilitation center in the north central region. A sudden spike two weeks ago nearly forced another lockdown as contact tracing from the drug center led to cases from many areas. However the authorities said the cluster had been brought under control. The sudden spike led to more stringent application of quarantine laws with people being arrested on the streets for non-wearing of masks. Sri Lanka is scheduled to hold parliamentary polls on August 5 and it was only last week that health guidelines for conducting the election were announced.

All personnel with COVID-19 infection in April recovered, no deaths reported, says Sri Lankan Navy

Sri Lanka has reversed plans to end its virus lockdown on Monday, extending it for another week after a spike in coronavirus infections including at a naval base.

Within hours of announcing that the nationwide restrictions imposed on March 20 would be lifted, the government revoked the order and extended them until May 4.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-30-navy-personnel-infected-with-coronavirus-in-sri-lanka-294720">At least 30 Navy personnel infected with coronavirus in Sri Lanka</a>

Health officials said there had been a jump in cases, including in a densely populated area in the capital Colombo where 81 people tested positive.

There has also been an increase in the number of sailors found to be infected with the coronavirus at the Welisara naval base to 65, the officials said.

The entire naval base in the Colombo suburb of Welisara where 4,000 sailors and their families live was placed into quarantine late last week after 30 sailors tested positive.

One officer at the camp died late Saturday night but the cause of death was leptospirosis or "rat fever", said navy spokesman Isuru Suriyabandara. His body was still immediately cremated under the quarantine rules for coronavirus victims.

The island nation on Sunday reported 460 positive cases in total with seven deaths.

Sri Lanka has reversed plans to end its virus lockdown on Monday, extending it for another week after a spike in coronavirus infections including at a naval base.

Sri Lanka has reversed plans to end its virus lockdown on Monday, extending it for another week after a spike in coronavirus infections including at a naval base. Within hours of announcing that the nationwide restrictions imposed on March 20 would be lifted, the government revoked the order and extended them until May 4. Also read | At least 30 Navy personnel infected with coronavirus in Sri Lanka Health officials said there had been a jump in cases, including in a densely populated area in the capital Colombo where 81 people tested positive. There has also been an increase in the number of sailors found to be infected with the coronavirus at the Welisara naval base to 65, the officials said. The entire naval base in the Colombo suburb of Welisara where 4,000 sailors and their families live was placed into quarantine late last week after 30 sailors tested positive. One officer at the camp died late Saturday night but the cause of death was leptospirosis or "rat fever", said navy spokesman Isuru Suriyabandara. His body was still immediately cremated under the quarantine rules for coronavirus victims. The island nation on Sunday reported 460 positive cases in total with seven deaths.

Sri Lanka extends lockdown after a surge in coronavirus cases

In Sri Lanka, COVID-19 cases are constant rise at Welisara Navy camp. 30 more positive cases have been reported recently.

Sri Lanka: COVID-19 cases rise at Welisara Navy camp, 30 more positive cases reported

Sri Lanka Navy locked down a facility on Friday after 30 of its personnel tested positive for the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

The Navy, in a statement, said that upon confirmation of a personnel from Polonnaruwa getting infected with COVID-19 while on leave, other personnel who were sharing the same mess and working at the same office were tested.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-after-uss-theodore-roosevelt-us-sailors-test-positive-on-another-warship-294641">COVID-19: After USS Theodore Roosevelt, US sailors test positive on another warship</a>

Nearly 4,000, which includes Naval personnel and their families, live in the Welisara Naval Complex, which has been locked down after the confirmation of 30 cases.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-tests-negative-for-coronavirus-294090">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tests negative for coronavirus&nbsp;</a>

Sri Lanka Navy also said some individuals, who have close links with the infected personnel and were on leave, were identified and brought back to the naval base.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka would lift the nationwide curfew on Monday, police said as the total number of COVID-19 cases surged past 400, including seven deaths.&nbsp;

The highest single-day rise in the number of infections was reported on Friday with 49 new cases, including 30 personnel from Navy.&nbsp;

The island nation has been under a 24-hour curfew since March 20 to tackle the spread of coronavirus.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka Navy locked down a facility on Friday after 30 of its personnel tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The Navy, in a statement, said that upon confirmation of a personnel from Polonnaruwa getting infected with COVID-19 while on leave, other personnel who were sharing the same mess and working at the same office were tested.

Sri Lanka Navy locked down a facility on Friday after 30 of its personnel tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The Navy, in a statement, said that upon confirmation of a personnel from Polonnaruwa getting infected with COVID-19 while on leave, other personnel who were sharing the same mess and working at the same office were tested. Also read | COVID-19: After USS Theodore Roosevelt, US sailors test positive on another warship Nearly 4,000, which includes Naval personnel and their families, live in the Welisara Naval Complex, which has been locked down after the confirmation of 30 cases. Also read | Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tests negative for coronavirus Sri Lanka Navy also said some individuals, who have close links with the infected personnel and were on leave, were identified and brought back to the naval base. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka would lift the nationwide curfew on Monday, police said as the total number of COVID-19 cases surged past 400, including seven deaths. The highest single-day rise in the number of infections was reported on Friday with 49 new cases, including 30 personnel from Navy. The island nation has been under a 24-hour curfew since March 20 to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

At least 30 Navy personnel infected with coronavirus in Sri Lanka

January 2 in History: From world getting its first air conditioner to Pathankot attacks

The Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday said coastal guard vessels and personnel have been alerted following reports of boats allegedly carrying 15 local Islamic State (IS) members had<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-coast-on-high-alert-after-is-boat-reportedly-sets-off-from-sri-lanka-221651"> set off for India's Lakshadweep islands</a>.

A top official source of the Kerala Police Saturday said that the state's coastal police stations and the police chiefs of the coastal districts have been alerted following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 IS terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands.

"The Navy has come to know through the reports in local and Indian media that some 15 local IS members were moving to India's Lakshadweep islands through the sea route," Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Isuru Suriyabandara said.

"We have alerted all our coastal guard vessels and personnel," he added.

The spokesperson also said the Navy had not received any official information in this regard.

"The possibility of the local Jihadi group members moving to India, however, had not been communicated to the Navy through the official channels," Suriyabandara said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leave-my-country-alone-sri-lankan-president-sirisena-tells-islamic-state-215011">Sri Lanka witnessed the worst terror attacks on its soil</a>, when nine suicide bombers carried out a series devastating blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21, killing around 260 people, including over 40 foreigners, and injuring 500 others.

The IS claimed responsibility for the blasts but Sri Lanka government said it was carried out by a local jihadi group, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lankan-parliament-official-among-six-arrested-for-alleged-links-with-ntj-220181">National Thoweed Jamaath</a> (NTJ).

Since the April 21 suicide attacks, the Sri Lanka Army has launched an island-wide operation to search for people having links with the NTJ. During which, one of the associate of NTJ leader Zahran Cassim, who blew himself up at one of the hotels during the Easter Sunday attacks, was arrested.

The Sri Lanka Army Sunday said it continued with its operations to search for the local network of the IS in the district of Colombo and its suburbs.

"Around 120 people had been arrested during four days of cordon-and-search operations. During the drive, some explosives, ammunition, military-like uniforms were recovered from them," the Army officials said, adding some of them were arrested for possessing drugs.

Meanwhile, a group of Buddist monks have accused a cabinet minister and a provincial governor of aiding and abetting the NTJ and lodged a complaint with the police, which has referred to it to the Crime Investigation Department.

The monks have accused Industry and Trade Minister Rishath Bathiyutheen and Governor of the Eastern Province M L A M Hizbullah of aiding and abetting NTJ, the group responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks.&nbsp;

"The complaint has been referred to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.&nbsp;

Also read: Was Saudi Arabia aware of Sri Lanka attacks?

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&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday said coastal guard vessels and personnel have been alerted following reports of boats allegedly carrying 15 local Islamic State (IS) members had set off for India's Lakshadweep islands.

The Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday said coastal guard vessels and personnel have been alerted following reports of boats allegedly carrying 15 local Islamic State (IS) members had set off for India's Lakshadweep islands. A top official source of the Kerala Police Saturday said that the state's coastal police stations and the police chiefs of the coastal districts have been alerted following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 IS terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands. "The Navy has come to know through the reports in local and Indian media that some 15 local IS members were moving to India's Lakshadweep islands through the sea route," Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Isuru Suriyabandara said. "We have alerted all our coastal guard vessels and personnel," he added. The spokesperson also said the Navy had not received any official information in this regard. "The possibility of the local Jihadi group members moving to India, however, had not been communicated to the Navy through the official channels," Suriyabandara said. Sri Lanka witnessed the worst terror attacks on its soil, when nine suicide bombers carried out a series devastating blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21, killing around 260 people, including over 40 foreigners, and injuring 500 others. The IS claimed responsibility for the blasts but Sri Lanka government said it was carried out by a local jihadi group, the National Thoweed Jamaath (NTJ). Since the April 21 suicide attacks, the Sri Lanka Army has launched an island-wide operation to search for people having links with the NTJ. During which, one of the associate of NTJ leader Zahran Cassim, who blew himself up at one of the hotels during the Easter Sunday attacks, was arrested. The Sri Lanka Army Sunday said it continued with its operations to search for the local network of the IS in the district of Colombo and its suburbs. "Around 120 people had been arrested during four days of cordon-and-search operations. During the drive, some explosives, ammunition, military-like uniforms were recovered from them," the Army officials said, adding some of them were arrested for possessing drugs. Meanwhile, a group of Buddist monks have accused a cabinet minister and a provincial governor of aiding and abetting the NTJ and lodged a complaint with the police, which has referred to it to the Crime Investigation Department. The monks have accused Industry and Trade Minister Rishath Bathiyutheen and Governor of the Eastern Province M L A M Hizbullah of aiding and abetting NTJ, the group responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks. "The complaint has been referred to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. Also read: Was Saudi Arabia aware of Sri Lanka attacks? ×

Sri Lanka Navy puts its vessels on alert after reports of Islamic State terrorists setting off to India

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/five-tamil-nadu-fishermen-arrested-by-sri-lankan-navy-198930&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwieh4KkrcLhAhVPUN4KHaBFBMoQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0w08GChxo9oUvMKUPgZR41">Sri Lankan Navy </a>apprehended four Indian fishermen, from the state of Tamil Nadu along with a boat on the charges of poaching in its territorial water on Tuesday, officials said.

The interrogation of all the apprehended<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/18-indian-fishermen-arrested-for-poaching-in-sri-lankan-waters-208102&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwieh4KkrcLhAhVPUN4KHaBFBMoQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2yVydPNjTYrWZgbfLuducB"> fishermen</a> is underway at Kankesanthurai naval camp in Sri Lanka.

More details in this regard are awaited.

Fishermen from both countries are being apprehended on a regular basis for breaching each other`s territorial waters or doing suspicious activities.

Sri Lankan Navy apprehended four Indian fishermen, from the state of Tamil Nadu along with a boat on the charges of poaching in its territorial water on Tuesday, officials said.

Sri Lankan Navy apprehended four Indian fishermen, from the state of Tamil Nadu along with a boat on the charges of poaching in its territorial water on Tuesday, officials said. The interrogation of all the apprehended fishermen is underway at Kankesanthurai naval camp in Sri Lanka. More details in this regard are awaited. Fishermen from both countries are being apprehended on a regular basis for breaching each other`s territorial waters or doing suspicious activities.

Sri Lankan Navy apprehends four Indian fishermen

Sri Lanka Navy has arrested at least 18 Indian fishermen and seized three dhows (vessel) for allegedly poaching in the country's territorial waters.

The Navy arrested the fishermen in the seas 16 nautical miles west of Point Pedro during a Naval patrol.

Eighteen Indian fishermen were arrested from Tamil Nadu for allegedly breaching the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters, the Navy said.

Three dhows used by them were also been taken into naval custody and brought to SLNS Uttara in Jaffna, Colombo Page reported.

After a medical test, the fishermen will be handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries in Jaffna for further investigation, the Navy Media Unit said.

In January 2018, Sri Lanka increased by over 100 times the fine on foreign vessels to deter them from fishing in its waters, amid the dispute over the frequent entry of Indian fishing trawlers into the country's maritime territory.

The main aim of the move is to prevent illegal fishing activities in the Sri Lankan waters and protect the fisheries and aquatic resources of the country's coastal belt.

Sri Lanka Navy has arrested at least 18 Indian fishermen and seized three dhows (vessel) for allegedly poaching in the country's territorial waters. The Navy arrested the fishermen in the seas 16 nautical miles west of Point Pedro during a Naval patrol.

Sri Lanka Navy has arrested at least 18 Indian fishermen and seized three dhows (vessel) for allegedly poaching in the country's territorial waters. The Navy arrested the fishermen in the seas 16 nautical miles west of Point Pedro during a Naval patrol. Eighteen Indian fishermen were arrested from Tamil Nadu for allegedly breaching the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters, the Navy said. Three dhows used by them were also been taken into naval custody and brought to SLNS Uttara in Jaffna, Colombo Page reported. After a medical test, the fishermen will be handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries in Jaffna for further investigation, the Navy Media Unit said. In January 2018, Sri Lanka increased by over 100 times the fine on foreign vessels to deter them from fishing in its waters, amid the dispute over the frequent entry of Indian fishing trawlers into the country's maritime territory. The main aim of the move is to prevent illegal fishing activities in the Sri Lankan waters and protect the fisheries and aquatic resources of the country's coastal belt.

18 Indian fishermen arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters

The Sri Lankan Navy on Thursday arrested 12 Indian fishermen with two boats near Delft Island, ANI reported.

The fishermen, arrested early morning today, belong to Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Rameswaram district.

The fishermen have been taken to Kankesanthurai Naval camp, where they are being interrogated, according to ANI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/18731">Tamil Nadu fishermen went on an indefinite strike yesterday</a> (August 9) demanding the release of 49 Indian fishermen who were arrested by Sri Lanka on Tuesday (August 8).

The Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/18692">apprehended 49 fishermen from Tamil Nadu </a>and detained their twelve fishing boats.&nbsp; 
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The fishermen, arrested early morning today, belong to Tamil Nadu?s Rameswaram district

The Sri Lankan Navy on Thursday arrested 12 Indian fishermen with two boats near Delft Island, ANI reported. The fishermen, arrested early morning today, belong to Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram district. The fishermen have been taken to Kankesanthurai Naval camp, where they are being interrogated, according to ANI. Tamil Nadu fishermen went on an indefinite strike yesterday (August 9) demanding the release of 49 Indian fishermen who were arrested by Sri Lanka on Tuesday (August 8). The Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday apprehended 49 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and detained their twelve fishing boats.

Sri Lankan Navy arrests 12 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu fishermen announced indefinite strike from today (Wednesday) urging the immediate the release of 49 Indian fishermen and their boats by Sri Lanka, news agency ANI reported.

The fishermen belong to Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Pudukottai district.

The Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday<a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/18692"> arrested forty-nine Indian fishermen</a> and their twelve fishing boats in Palk Strait.

They were reportedly fishing in Lankan waters when they were arrested.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-navy-arrests-seven-indian-fishermen-17876">Sri Lankan navy arrests seven Indian fishermen</a>

Last month, the Sri Lankan navy had arrested seven Indian fishermen after they were reportedly fishing in Neduntheevu, close to Sri Lanka.

On July 9, three fishermen from Jagadapattinam in Pudukottai district were detained off Karainagar in northern Sri Lanka, for allegedly entering Lankan waters.

In March, 77 Indian and 12 Sri Lankan fishermen in each other&#39;s custody were repatriated following the diplomatic tension triggered by the killing of a fisherman.

 
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The fishermen are urging the immediate the release of 49 Indian fishermen and their boats by Sri Lanka

Tamil Nadu fishermen announced indefinite strike from today (Wednesday) urging the immediate the release of 49 Indian fishermen and their boats by Sri Lanka, news agency ANI reported. The fishermen belong to Tamil Nadu’s Pudukottai district. The Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday arrested forty-nine Indian fishermen and their twelve fishing boats in Palk Strait. They were reportedly fishing in Lankan waters when they were arrested. Also read: Sri Lankan navy arrests seven Indian fishermen Last month, the Sri Lankan navy had arrested seven Indian fishermen after they were reportedly fishing in Neduntheevu, close to Sri Lanka. On July 9, three fishermen from Jagadapattinam in Pudukottai district were detained off Karainagar in northern Sri Lanka, for allegedly entering Lankan waters. In March, 77 Indian and 12 Sri Lankan fishermen in each other's custody were repatriated following the diplomatic tension triggered by the killing of a fisherman.

Tamil Nadu fishermen go on indefinite strike from today

Fifty three Indian fishermen were Friday released from a Sri Lankan jail, days after the two countries decided to release fishermen in each other&rsquo;s custody to defuse tension following the killing of an Indian fisherman allegedly by the Lankan navy.

&ldquo;53 fishermen have been released from Jaffna jail while 32 others are still in custody in Vavuniya jail,&rdquo; Fishery Ministry officials said.

Sri Lanka had earlier informed the Indian High Commission in Colombo that it will release all 85 Indian fishermen in their custody, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

Sri Lanka and India on Wednesday agreed to release fishermen held in each other&rsquo;s custody after a high-level discussion between the two sides in Colombo in a bid to defuse the tension following the killing of an Indian fisherman.

Britjo, a 21-year-old fisherman from Tamil Nadu, was killed and another injured on March 6, 2017 allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy.

(PTI)

Sri Lanka had earlier informed the Indian High Commission in Colombo that it will release all 85 Indian fishermen in their custody

Fifty three Indian fishermen were Friday released from a Sri Lankan jail, days after the two countries decided to release fishermen in each other’s custody to defuse tension following the killing of an Indian fisherman allegedly by the Lankan navy. “53 fishermen have been released from Jaffna jail while 32 others are still in custody in Vavuniya jail,” Fishery Ministry officials said. Sri Lanka had earlier informed the Indian High Commission in Colombo that it will release all 85 Indian fishermen in their custody, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said. Sri Lanka and India on Wednesday agreed to release fishermen held in each other’s custody after a high-level discussion between the two sides in Colombo in a bid to defuse the tension following the killing of an Indian fisherman. Britjo, a 21-year-old fisherman from Tamil Nadu, was killed and another injured on March 6, 2017 allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy. (PTI)

Sri Lankan Navy releases 53 Indian fishermen

Eight fishermen from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu were held by Sri Lankan Navy on charges of fishing in the island waters, a fisheries deartment official said.

The fishermen had gone into the sea on March 1 in a mechanised boat, Nagapattinam Joint Director of Fisheries, Amala Xavier, said.&nbsp;

The fishermen were arrested by the Lankan Navy around midnight yesterday, he said.

One of the arrested fishermen, 35-year-old Sarath, allegedly attempted suicide today by swallowing shards of a broken glass botlle and has been admitted in a government hospital in Triconamalee in Eastern Sri Lanka, he added.

This is the third such incident this week with a total of 61 Indian fishermen in the custody of Sri Lanka.

On March 2, 18 fishermen -- nine from Nagapattinam district, four from Rameswaram and five from nearby Pamban -- were arrested in three batches and their boats impounded by Sri Lankan Navy at different points in the Palk Bay.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami had shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the second this week, seeking his intervention to secure the release of all the arrested fishermen.

He had said the arrests of fishermen was creating a &quot;sense of panic and unrest among&quot; the community in the state.

Palaniswami said the fishermen&#39;s right to life and livelihood and right to carry on with fishing in the waters of the Palk Bay were &quot;continuously being infringed upon by Sri Lanka.&quot;

Hours after the detention of 13 fishermen on March 2, Palaniswami had written to Modi seeking his intervention.

Meanwhile, fishermen in Pamban continued their strike for the second day today, demanding the release of their colleagues arrested on March 2.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

This is the third such incident this week with a total of 61 Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka's custody

Eight fishermen from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu were held by Sri Lankan Navy on charges of fishing in the island waters, a fisheries deartment official said. The fishermen had gone into the sea on March 1 in a mechanised boat, Nagapattinam Joint Director of Fisheries, Amala Xavier, said. The fishermen were arrested by the Lankan Navy around midnight yesterday, he said. One of the arrested fishermen, 35-year-old Sarath, allegedly attempted suicide today by swallowing shards of a broken glass botlle and has been admitted in a government hospital in Triconamalee in Eastern Sri Lanka, he added. This is the third such incident this week with a total of 61 Indian fishermen in the custody of Sri Lanka. On March 2, 18 fishermen -- nine from Nagapattinam district, four from Rameswaram and five from nearby Pamban -- were arrested in three batches and their boats impounded by Sri Lankan Navy at different points in the Palk Bay. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami had shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the second this week, seeking his intervention to secure the release of all the arrested fishermen. He had said the arrests of fishermen was creating a "sense of panic and unrest among" the community in the state. Palaniswami said the fishermen's right to life and livelihood and right to carry on with fishing in the waters of the Palk Bay were "continuously being infringed upon by Sri Lanka." Hours after the detention of 13 fishermen on March 2, Palaniswami had written to Modi seeking his intervention. Meanwhile, fishermen in Pamban continued their strike for the second day today, demanding the release of their colleagues arrested on March 2. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Sri Lankan Navy arrests eight Tamil Nadu fishermen, one attempts suicide

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