AKASH (IND-TN-15-MM-5661) was observed fishing illegally without a licence within BIOT waters and has been inspected in BIOT four times since March 2022. The vessel did not submit a transit report prior to entry into the BIOT EEZ. The vessel had no VMS present onboard and it did not carry a national logbook. This vessel was inspected on 23 March 2022, 28 September 2022, 14 December 2022 and lastly on 09 February 2023. BIOT inspections found tuna, tuna like species, shark and other IOTC managed species onboard in 2 inspections. The vessel was detained on 09 February 2023 and taken to Diego Garcia port for prosecution. This vessel was found to be guilty, all catch and gear was confiscated and the vessel captain was fined £15,000. IOTC IUU listed this vessel on 10 May 2023 whilst flagged to India and under ownership of WILLIAM S/O MANUVELPILLAI.
Not on Record of Authorised Vessels (RAV). Fishing in closed area. Fishing in coastal state waters without authorization. Incorrect makings. Contravention of IOTC CMMs (e.g. VMS).
