Indian Coast Guard on Saturday apprehended two Sri Lankan boats and 10 crew members for their alleged illegal fishing in Indian waters, Indian media reported.

The boat was apprehended after a coordinated patrol involving a Coast Guard ship and an air craft about 70 nautical miles off north east of Chennai, media has reported, citing a Coast Guard press release.

"The Sri Lankan fishing boats had 4,200kg of tuna fish illegally caught from the Indian exclusive economic zone," the release said.

The Coast Guard is maintaining constant vigil on the eastern seaboard with the deployment of ships and aircraft regularly to 'monitor suspicious activities' at sea, the media release also said. Assistance was also provided to fishermen whilst in distress at sea.

Indian Coast Guard has apprehended 31 Lankan boats and 159 crew this year so far.