Fishing vessel which illegally left Sri Lankan waters edges closer to Reunion Island in France

A fishing vessel identified as 'Prashansa' which left the Meegamuwa sea port illegally last month is edging closer towards Reunion island in France along with 72 people on board.

The multi-day trawler which left Sri Lankan waters on January 09 is now nearing its destination after 25 days.

It is reported that the multi-day trawler is being steered by an fish monger identified as M.C.K. Fernando. 

A complaint has been filed by the owner of the trawler, Sundarshan Perera at the Meegamuwa Police Station in connection to the incident.

The owner is reported to have released the boat with supplies including fuel, ice, and food on January 09 unaware of the fish monger's plan.

Those on the boat are said to comprise the family of the crew as well as the family of the individual who is in charge of steering the vessel including several women and small children.

Excluding family members of crew and the captain, other individuals are reported to have each been charged for the journey and a collective sum between Rs 600,000 to Rs 1 million has been collected.