MNDF confirms captured fishing boats were from Sri Lanka

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has revealed the five foreign fishing boats captured in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Maldives were from Sri Lanka.

The Coast Guard spotted the boats illegally fishing 30 nautical miles east of Meemu Atoll on April 28. MNDF stated the fishing boats were seen keeping distance from each other in the area, and each vessel had six crewmen onboard.

The boats have been escorted to Hulhumale' and handed over to the Maldives Police Service (MPS). MNDF stated it is currently investigating the case with the help of relevant state authorities.