Trawler Owners demand action against Seychelles authorities for burning trawler

 

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 All Ceylon Multi-day Trawler Owner Association has requested the International Organisations and the Sri Lankan government to hold a formal investigation of destroying a multi-day fishing trawler and the arrest of six fishermen by the Seychelles security authorities.

Secretary of the association Ruwan Fernando said the multiday trawler that left Wellamankara harbour in Wennappuwa with six men on board had been seized by the Seychelles security forces and the Special Operations Unit. on December 30. .The fishermen had been arrested and the trawler set on fire. He stressed that a formal investigation of the incident should be held by the Sri Lankan government and the International organisations.

“ The Seychelles authorities are yet to inform the Sri Lankan government that the trawler had been seized and the action to be taken against the six fishermen. However the trawler has already been destroyed. Action should have been taken after informing the Sri Lankan government of the incident. Meanwhile environmental pollution caused by the flow of 10,000 litres of diesel, engine oil and other waste matter from the trawler including fiber may have caused extensive marine pollution.” He said .

The owner of the trawler Susil Fernando of Marawila said the trawler which had been in close proximity to the Mauritius islands by December 24, had lost its course and entered the Seychelles sea limits.

“ I would not defend my men. They are liable to legal action against them for any irregularity. However, the Seychelles authorities should not have destroyed the trawler. by setting it on fire in the sea. Our trawlers have been seized on several instances by Indian and Maldivian authorities and legal action taken against the fishermen. They have never destroyed trawlers in this manner. So does the Sri Lankan government in case of Indian trawlers seized in Sri Lankan waters.” He said.

Secretary of the Multiday Trawler operators’ Association Ruwan Fernando further said it is imperative that the International Environmental Organisations hold a separate investigation regarding the marine pollution caused by setting fire to the trawler in the sea, and that the Sri Lankan government should take up the issue with the Seychelles authorities.