THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Marine Enforcement officer was injured while attempting to stop and inspect a Tamil Nadu trawler boat involved in illegal fishing. The incident occurred yesterday afternoon, resulting in Marine Enforcement CPO Tiju being admitted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital with severe injuries to two fingers on his right hand.

The incident unfolded when a Tamil Nadu police team stopped the trawler during a routine patrol to check for illegal fishing activities. Upon finding that the boat's documents were insufficient, the crew attempted to flee. As CPO Tiju tried to board the trawler from the marine ambulance for further inspection, the trawler suddenly moved forward, colliding with the ambulance. Tiju's fingers were caught between the two boats, causing serious injuries.

Tiju was immediately transported to Vizhinjam Government Hospital by the coastal police patrol boat, before being transferred to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital for further treatment. Following the incident, a detailed inspection of the trawler was conducted.

The inspection revealed that the boat was equipped with three 70-volt lights, two 50-volt lights, and a large generator—far exceeding the permitted use of 12-volt lights, indicating it was an illegal light fishing boat. The authorities subsequently took the boat into custody and brought it to Vizhinjam.

In addition to Tiju, the inspection team included Marine Enforcement CPO Ananthu, and lifeguards Robert Robinson and Manoharan. During the operation, another trawler boat, belonging to Kollam native Leelakrishnan, which was also engaged in illegal fishing near the coast, was apprehended and brought to Vizhinjam.