GIFT OF GOD (INDTN15MM3587) was observed fishing illegally without a licence within British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) waters twice since March 2022. The vessel was originally intercepted outside Diego Garcia port on 30/04/2022 by a third party and reported to BIOT authorities. The vessel did not submit a transit report prior to entry into BIOT waters. Fish and fishing gear were found on the vessel, it was instructed to leave BIOT waters, no formal boarding and inspection was undertaken. The vessel was boarded and inspected by BIOT authorities on 1st October 2022. The captain admitted to fishing in the area and that they had around 4 tonnes on board. Species identified from boarding hold inspections included IOTC managed species, Five Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) and one Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), which is currently listed as endangered on the IUCN Red list and in Appendix II of CITES. This vessel was IOTC IUU listed on 10 May 2023 whilst flagged to India and under ownership of ANTHONY ROBERT T.
Not on Record of Authorised Vessels (RAV). Fishing in coastal state waters without authorization. Incorrect makings. Contravention of IOTC CMMs (e.g. VMS).
