High-Speed Patrol Boat Deployed at Krishnapatnam to Curb Illegal Fishing
Nellore: Coastal surveillance has been intensified at Krishnapatnam Port with the deployment of a high-speed patrol boat to curb illegal fishing by vessels from neighboring states.
The 326 HP boat, brought from Kakinada Port on the initiative of district collector Himanshu Shukla, can carry out continuous patrol duty at speeds of up to 18 km per hour. Equipped with video recording feature and advanced binoculars with highly focused lights, it will monitor the movements of fishing boats, especially those coming from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
A special task force comprising the Fisheries Department, Coast Guard Police, Forest Department officials and local fishermen conducts regular marine patrols. While three boats are currently inspecting the coastline, teams are also carrying out surprise night inspections.
Officials said the intensified patrols were aimed at preventing the illegal entry of mechanized boats from other states, which had previously damaged local fishing nets and posed a threat to fishermen. No cases of unauthorized fishing activity were reported during recent inspections.
The Collector also directed the purchase of an additional high-speed boat to further strengthen coastal security. Emphasizing that the safety of fishermen is a priority, the authorities called on citizens to report suspicious movements at sea by calling 112.
