Port Blair, Mar 11: In a joint anti-poaching operation one boat along with 10 Myanmarese nationals were successfully apprehended off Barren Island after a Sea–Air coordinated operation on 09 Mar 13. Initially, the Coast Guard Dornier Aircraft on surveillance reported sighting of one Myanmarese boat with poachers onboard off Narcondum Island on a south westerly course.
On receipt of information, the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters swung into action and requested the Joint Operations Centre (Coastal Security) for diverting Naval Ship in Area. Indian Naval Ship operating off the Northern Group of Islands was immediately pressed into action. To ensure positive tracking till interception, the Coast Guard Dornier was again launched at 1500 hrs on 09 Mar 13.
During the second sortie, the Dornier re-located the boat 35 Nm East of Barren Island at 1610 hrs. On sighting the aircraft the boat frequently changed course and speed. Despite limited visibility, the Coast Guard Dornier continuously tracked the boat and vectored the Naval Ship for interception.
The Naval Ship and Indian Coast Guard Dornier Aircraft in a perfect sea-air coordinated operation, which lasted for around 07 hrs apprehended the Myanmarese boat at 2145 hrs on 09 Mar 13. All the personnel were taken on board and the boat was towed to Mayabunder for handing over to Local Police. The boat was subsequently handed over to local Police on 10th of March 2013.