The Fisheries Department has imposed fines of Rs 2.5 lakh each on two fishing boat owners for allowing their vessels to be used for a film shoot at sea without obtaining prior approval. The incident came to light during a routine inspection as part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing ‘Sea Vigil’ coastal security exercise, officials revealed on Thursday.
The boats, identified as Bharat Ratna and Bharat Sagar, were seized on Wednesday after Coastal Police alerted the Vypin Fisheries Station about unauthorised shooting activities in the Chellanam area of the Arabian Sea. Upon inspection by the Vypin Fisheries Marine Enforcement team, it was discovered that both vessels lacked valid licenses, and one was deemed unfit for operation.
"During an inspection on Wednesday, after seizing the boats, it was found that the vessels had been operating without valid licenses for an extended period, and one of them was also out of fitness" the officials added, as per PTI.
A statement from the Fisheries Department confirmed that neither of the boats had obtained the mandatory special permits required for non-fishing activities such as film production. Additionally, the 33-member film crew aboard the vessels were found without any safety equipment, a serious violation of marine safety regulations, as per the report.
“Special permission is necessary to use fishing boats for purposes other than fishing,” an official stated. The approval process involves assessing the vessel’s operational condition, life-saving equipment, passenger capacity, and verifying all necessary legal documents.
Meanwhile, to address illegal and unsustainable fishing practices, Kerala fisheries department has announced plans to intensify surprise inspections of vessels, including trawl boats and traditional fishing craft. This decision emerged from a meeting held in Vypin, aimed at resolving tensions between traditional fishermen and trawl boat operators.
ALSO READ: Karnataka: Widow Of Army Man Loses Both Forearms In Hair Dryer Explosion