A total of 15 fishermen were apprehended for fisheries violations on Wednesday morning by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in the central Bahamas.
While on routine patrol, Defence Force patrol craft HMBS L.L. Smith under the command of Senior Lieutenant Alexis Brown boarded and searched two Bahamian registered fishing vessels named “Bluewater” and “Pot N Em” in the Ragged Island chain. The crew, consisting of Bahamian nationals, were taken into custody after being found in possession of illegal fishing apparatus, namely diving compressors, along with fishery products.
The vessels and crew were brought into the capital on Thursday afternoon, and turned over to the relevant authorities for further questioning.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force continues to monitor the territorial waters of The Bahamas.
Fishery products on one of 2 Bahamian fishing vessels on June 11, 2020 after the crew and vessel were apprehended for fishing violations. (RBDF Photo by Able Seaman Frederick Russell) 
A skiff with a compressor was discovered on one of 2 Bahamian fishing vessels on June 11, 2020 after the crew and vessel were apprehended for fishing violations. (RBDF Photo by Able Seaman Frederick Russell) 
A compressor discovered on one of 2 Bahamian fishing vessels on June 11, 2020 after the crew and vessel were apprehended for fishing violations. (RBDF Photo by Able Seaman Frederick Russell)
