Kolkata, Dec 7 (IANS): Two Bangladeshi fishing boats, with 56 fishermen on board, were apprehended for illegally fishing in Indian waters off the West Bengal coast, officials said here Sunday.
Indian Coast Guard Ship 'Sucheta Kripalani' apprehended the two fishing boats 'Allahar Malik-2' and 'Anowara' with 28 fishermen on board each boat, 63 nautical miles southeast of Sagar Island.
The boats laden with 1,200 kg and 1,000 kg of fish, respectively, were escorted by the Coast Guard ship to Sagar Island and handed over to the Marine Police, Frazerganj Sunday for further action.
"The preliminary investigation of the boats revealed that they come from Chittagong Port in Bangladesh. The boats departed on Dec 4 for fishing and were expected to return after one week," Coast Guard Deputy Inspector General D.R. Sharma said.
"No communication equipment or identification documents were found with the apprehended fishermen."
Since October, the Coast Guard have apprehended 106 Bangladeshi fishermen on board five Bangladeshi fishing boats for fishing in Indian waters.