The Coast Guard apprehends two foreign vessels suspected of illegally fishing within the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that the vessels were seized for illegal fishing in the Special Economic Zone of the Maldives. The two Sri Lankan fishing boats were apprehended by the MNDF Northern Area Command Coast Guard First Squadron following a report received by the Coast Guard.
One of the fishing boats had seven crew members while the other had six crew members. The vessels are currently docked in Filladhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, and will be transferred to the custody of the Maldives Police Service (MPS).
The government is working with the relevant authorities to intercept foreign fishing vessels in the EEZ of the Maldives. In September last year, the Coast Guard seized five fishing vessels from Sri Lanka that had illegally entered Maldivian waters.
Foreign vessels frequently enter the Maldivian territory to illegally fish and such vessels are often reported to the Coast Guard by local fishermen. Such vessels are released after a fine is paid.