Pakistan apprehends 24 fishermen; 4 boats off Gujarat Coast

AHMEDABAD: 24 Indian fishermen were apprehended and four boats seized by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) today off Gujarat's Jakhau coast, officials of the National Fisherworkers' Forum (NFF) said.

The fishermen had sailed off the coastal town of Porbandar and Okha few days ago and were apprehended by the PMSA near the International Maritime Border Line (IMBL) this morning, secretary of NFF, Manish Lodhari told PTI.

"We have learned that at least 24 fishermen on four boats were apprehended by PMSA near Jakhau coast today morning. Two boats are registered in Okha while two belong to Porbandar. These fishermen and their boats were being taken to Karachi port by PMSA," Lodhari said.

The PMSA has been capturing Indian fishermen at regular intervals off Gujarat coast. Within last three months, as many as 191 fishermen along with 34 boats were captured by PMSA in six separate instances before today's incident.

Recently, Pakistan released 172 fishermen, who reached Gujarat last month.