Indian Coast Guard Intercepts Iranian Fishing Boat

In a swift seaair coordinated operation Indian Coast Guard ships/ aircraft, successfully intercepted and detained a foreign fishing vessel of Iranian

Nationality off Kerala coast, west of Beypore.

The boat has been brought to Kochi, Kerala for further investigations. The detention of a foreign fishing boat by the ICG, with Indian crew onboard, once again highlights the complexities of maritime security and the challenges being faced by any Maritime law enforcement agency in preventing illegal activities at sea. This incident underscores the ICG’s ongoing efforts to safeguard India's maritime borders and maintain law and order in Maritime Zones of India.

During the operation, heightened security level was maintained by ICG ships. The boat was boarded by CG boarding team. The boarding operation revealed that the fishing boat is of Iranian nationality with 06 crew of Indian Nationality. The boat was thoroughly checked by ICG team to check for boat’s involvement in any anti- national activity. The initial investigations reveled that the boat is owned by an Iranian sponsor named Syed Saud Ansari, who had contracted 06 Indian fishermen (from Kanyakumari region in Tamilnadu) by issuing them Iranian Visas for fishing off Iran Coast in his boat since 26 Mar 23. The crew alleged that the sponsor had been ill treating them and has not provided them with basic living conditions. Further, they also alleged that the sponsor has confiscated their passports. The crew subsequently decided to escape from Iran to India using the same boat, where they were working as fishermen.

As the detained boat is brought to Kochi for further investigate & legal proceeding, it underscore the Indian Coast Guard commitment to adhere to the process. This incident serve as a reminder of the constant vigil required to safeguard India maritime border and the dedication of ICG to fulfill its mandate of ensuring safety and security at sea.