Indian Coast Guard intercepts Pakistani Fishing boat Al-Madina off Gujarat; nine crew detained, FIR filed under Immigration and Foreigners Act.
Porbandar (Gujarat) : An FIR has been registered under the Immigration and Foreigners Act after the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) intercepted a Pakistani fishing vessel carrying nine crew members during a routine patrol off the Gujarat coast, officials said. The vessel, named “Al-Madina”, was found operating within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and inside the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Porbandar Deputy Superintendent of Police Dhruval Sutariya told ANI, “On January 14, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted the Pakistani boat Al-Madina within India’s EEZ, inside the IMBL. The boat had nine crew members on board.”
The vessel was handed over to Porbandar police on Friday for legal processing, and an FIR has been filed against the crew under the Immigration and Foreigners Act. According to DSP Sutariya, the boat tried to escape towards Pakistan when challenged but was intercepted by ICG personnel, who then boarded the vessel. Investigations are ongoing.
This is the second such incident in recent weeks. In December 2025, the ICG apprehended 11 Pakistani fishermen whose vessel, Al Wali, had entered Indian waters near Jakhau without permission. Defence PRO Gujarat had stated that the fishermen were intercepted on December 10 inside India’s EEZ and brought to Jakhau Port for further investigation.
The recent interception highlights the growing emphasis on maritime security and international cooperation in the region. Earlier this week, India and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening maritime collaboration during the 22nd High-Level Meeting of the Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard in New Delhi. The meeting, attended by DG of ICG Paramesh Sivamani and Admiral Yoshio Saguchi, focused on operational engagement in Maritime Search and Rescue, Marine Pollution Response, Maritime Law Enforcement, and capacity building.