Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Indian Coast Guard Detains Nine Poachers in North Andaman Sea
The Indian Coast Guard and the Andaman and Nicobar Command worked together to catch nine poachers in the North Andaman Sea.
They found these poachers on a small boat with diving gear near Narcondam Island.
The operation happened at night on January 29, 2026.
The poachers were likely trying to catch sea cucumbers, which are protected animals because they help keep the ocean clean and healthy.
This area is very important for nature, and poachers from nearby countries often try to take advantage of its resources.
The Coast Guard has been watching the area more closely to stop these illegal activities.
Indian Coast Guard and Andaman and Nicobar Command detained nine poachers in a late-night operation near Narcondam Island on January 29, 2026.
The poachers were found on a dinghy equipped with diving gear, indicating likely poaching activities.
The operation was conducted by ICGS Rajshree as part of enhanced surveillance due to intelligence on potential poaching.
Sea cucumbers, a protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, are a common target for poachers in the region.
Previous operations, such as 'Castle Bay' in November, have also targeted foreign poaching syndicates exploiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' biodiversity.
- Who
- Indian Coast Guard and Andaman and Nicobar Command
- What
- Detained nine poachers in a late-night operation
- When
- January 29, 2026
- Where
- Near Narcondam Island, North Andaman Sea
- Why
- To prevent poaching of protected marine species, particularly sea cucumbers
- Date of Operation
- January 29, 2026
- Location
- Near Narcondam Island, North Andaman Sea
- Number of Poachers Detained
- Nine
- Vessel Used
- Dinghy with diving equipment
- Operation Name (Previous)
- Castle Bay
- Targeted Species
- Sea cucumbers
- Legal Protection Status
- Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act