As part of ongoing efforts to protect marine resources and ensure compliance with maritime navigation regulations and instructions, the Coast Guard has arrested a violating fisherman and seized a bottom trawl net (kofa) after a boat fled while shrimping within a prohibited maritime zone designated for the 3D marine survey project operated by Bapco Energies.
The Coast Guard stated that during a routine maritime patrol, a boat was spotted inside the survey operations area. It was found to be carrying four individuals engaged in fishing with bottom trawl nets in violation of regulations, and to have committed the offence during the shrimp fishing ban season. Upon sighting the patrol, the boat’s crew cut the net rope and attempted to flee, resulting in one Bahraini seaman falling into the sea. He was rescued and safely recovered, while the boat managed to escape.
The Coast Guard added that the net was seized at the scene. The boat was found to have committed several violations, including preventing Coast Guard personnel from exercising their right to stop and inspect, failing to operate the Automatic Identification System (AIS), hiding registration plates, and failing to activate navigation lights.
The Coast Guard confirmed that the arrested seaman has been detained and that legal proceedings are underway against him. Legal action is also being taken against the fleeing boat in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
