The Coast Guard has seized an illegal artisanal trawling boat, six trawling nets and a large quantity of marine fish during an operation in the northwestern waters of Saint Martin’s Island in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. Seventeen fishermen were also detained.

Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon confirmed the information on Saturday (September 26) night.

He said the Coast Guard Station Saint Martin conducted a special operation in the area around 11am on Saturday based on a tip-off. During the operation, an illegal artisanal trawling boat was seized from the waters off the island.

A subsequent search of the boat led to the recovery of six trawling nets and around 700 kilograms of marine fish worth approximately Tk 210,000. The 17 fishermen aboard the boat were also detained.

Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon said legal proceedings against the detained fishermen and in connection with the seized items are underway.