Jakhau (Kutch), Nov 30 (PTI) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has seized a total of 4,250 kg illegal wildlife shipments in the Indian seas during the first 11 months of 2021, according to official data.

This is 114 per cent more than the 1,983 kg illegal wildlife shipments that were seized by the ICG during 2020, the data accessed by PTI showed.

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Endangered wildlife species such as sea cucumber are smuggled through sea route from India as it fetches high price in the international market for their use in preparing special dishes in southeast Asia.

The ICG conducts multiple operations throughout the year to seize such illegal wildlife shipments.

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The ICG has also rescued a total of 436 fishermen in the Indian seas during 410 sorties -- ship as well as air -- conducted in the first 11 months of 2021, its data stated.

In 2020, the ICG had rescued 155 fishermen during 290 sorties.

The force rescues fishermen whenever they need help such as when their boat catches fire or malfunctions.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)