Myanmarese poachers escape from Coast Guard's clutches

Port Blair, May 13 (UNI) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) intensified patrolling in the sea around Interview Island, the Northernmost tip of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, following the escape of about eight Myanmarese poachers.

The poachers had tricked the Coast Guard (CG) helicopters and escaped into the dense forest of the island, officials said today.

'' After receiving specific intelligence of poachers, we had launched an anti-poaching operation on Friday last by launching CG helicopters despite the inclement weather. On seeing us those poachers fled in two boats, '' Commandant Akshay Jain, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Andaman and Nicobar Command informed the media today.

The two Myanmarese boats were sighted around the Interview and Anderson Islands of North Andaman, very close to Myanmar. But the CG could not proceed with their combing operations as the weather was not conducive, the PRO informed.

The CG also fired 31 rounds at the poachers but they managed to escape. Consequently, the crew landed near the dinghies and incapacitated the engines by cutting the fuel hose lines and shaft connecting belt, so that the poachers could not use them again.

The anti-poaching unit of the police team later confiscated both boats. The ICG, Andaman Police and the Indian Reserve Battalion were continuing combing operation around Interview island to trace out these poachers.

UNI