Sri Lankan navy damages boat, take away fish catch

The Sri Lankan Navy allegedly damaged a fishing boat and took away fish catch from 10 vessels of fishermen when they were fishing near Katchateevu islet today.

A group of fishermen set out in 80 boats from nearby Pamban last night. When they were fishing near Katchatheevu, the naval personnel hit their ship with a boat and damaged it, M Gopinath, Rameswaram Fisheries Assistant Director said.

Eight persons who were in the boat were rescued by other fishermen, he said, adding, the navy personnel also took away fish catch from 10 boats.

The Lankan navy personnel also sent back another group of fishermen at Katchateevu after threatening to arrest them if they continued fishing in the area, Gopinath said.