Port Blair, April 17: In a ceremony held at Coast Guard Component HQs, Inspector General Neeraj Tiwari, TM, Commander Coast Guard A&N region, felicitated Mr. Ajin of Fishing Boat “Sorayya” on 16 Apr 24, for being eyes and ears of Andaman and Nicobar Command by providing valuable intel regarding Myanmarese poachers on 14 Apr 24.

In the incident IFB Sorayya was operating near Clinque Island, when it noticed an unfamiliar boat operating in the Indian waters. Mr. Ajin being a seasoned fisherman identified the boat as foreign craft. The fisherman immediately reported the matter to an Officer of Dept. of fisheries, who simultaneously shared the information with Coast Guard and other stake holders. Leading from this information, a coordinated operation was conducted which resulted in apprehension of foreign boat carrying 14 crew. This also led to recovery of substantial quantity of sea cucumber from the boat.

The timely input by the vigilant fisherman resulted in apprehension of poachers, who were pilfering upon India’s ecologically sensitive and precious resources. Recognising his valuable and timely contribution in protecting national interest,

Mr. Ajin was awarded a cash prize and felicitated in presence of representatives of Fisheries Dept. and owner of the fishing boat “Sorayya”.

Andaman and Nicobar Command is committed to provide security to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and recognises fishing community as valuable partner in its endeavour to protect our coast, seas, resources and sensitive ecosystem.