An Italian investor had his ship seized by the Kenyan government following his clash with a section of youth living along the coast.
A report by People Daily on Tuesday, April 27, indicated that the tycoon, Basta Alessandro, had his ship MV Roberto seized, after a row with fishermen at Kipini area of Tana River County.
A row is said to have erupted after the youth accused the businessman of carrying out illegal fishing practices following the death of two Dolphins and a sea Turtle.
According to the youth, the trawlers owned by Alessandro were responsible for destroying marine life and fishing gear in the area - and sought to have him investigated.
The government raided the ship after the complaints were raised and reportedly found small fish, including the endangered guitarfish. The ship's captain and a few members of the crew were arrested as a result.
Kipini residents have in the past urged the government to ban trawling activities in the area as they interfere with highly endangered sea animals.
Dolphins are highly intelligent marine mammals and are part of the toothed whales found worldwide. Some are found at the Indian Ocean.
Speaking to the press, Alessandro, however, denied claims that he was carrying out illegal fishing activities.
"We are licensed in fishing activities, my ship has 3.2 miles and I cast the net properly. I also do inspection and we all follow the regulations," explained the tycoon.
He further noted that at one point during the confrontation, people who were not wearing masks entered his ship putting his staffers at risk.
"The men came without masks. My staffers who have spent 30 days on the ship were safe from Covid-19, but he came without a mask.
"This is just a ploy to get funding from organizations in America and Germany among other international donors, but the truth is we are very keen on conservation," he added.
He claimed that he had incurred losses amounting to over Ksh40 million since the vessel was impounded and threatened to take legal action against those responsible.
