Bahamian Fishermen Brought in by RBDF for Fishing Violations

#TheBahamas, August 1, 2021 – Four fishermen were brought into the capital after they were apprehended for a fishery violation by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in the Exuma cays.

While on routine patrol Saturday afternoon, Defence Force patrol craft P-45, coxswained by Chief Petty Officer Wayde Watson, boarded and searched a Bahamian registered fishing vessel named “Lady J”, approximately one nautical mile south east of Beacon Cay. Further investigation uncovered the use of illegal fishing apparatus to obtain fishery products namely, a diving compressor, which is in contravention of the fishing regulations.

The vessel and crew were escorted into the capital late Saturday night and turned over to the relevant authorities for further investigations.

This is the third apprehension within the past month, by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force for fisheries violations. Four American residents were brought in for questioning on July 23, 2021, after they were apprehended four nautical miles northwest of Bimini for fisheries violations, and on June 30, 2021, eleven Bahamian fishermen were apprehended after being in possession of illegal fishing apparatus.

Fishermen are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the fishing regulations while on the seas. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force will continue to monitor the territorial waters of The Bahamas.

Header: Bahamian fishing vessel arriving in the capital July 31, 2021, after the crew and vessel were apprehended in the Exuma chain earlier in the day for fishery violation. (RBDF Photo by Petty Officer Deon Demeritte)

First insert: Bahamian fishing vessel arriving in the capital July 31, 2021, after the crew and vessel were apprehended in the Exuma chain earlier in the day for fishery violation. (RBDF Photo by Petty Officer Deon Demeritte)

Second insert: Royal Bahamas Defence Force personnel offloading fishery products being from Bahamian fishing vessel shortly after their arrival in the capital July 31, 2021. The crew and vessel were apprehended in the Exuma chain earlier in the day for fishery violation. (RBDF Photo by Able Seaman Paul Rolle II)

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel)

-rbdf-

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