2 Sri Lankan fishing vessels seized in Maldives SEZ
The vessels were intercepted during a surveillance operation conducted jointly by the MNDF Coast Guard and the MNDF Air Corps.
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Two Sri Lankan fishing vessels have been seized for operating within the Maldives Special Economic Zone, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) said.
The vessels were intercepted during a surveillance operation conducted jointly by the MNDF Coast Guard and the MNDF Air Corps.
According to the MNDF, the Coast Guard intercepted the two vessels at 2:02 pm on Sunday while they were operating approximately 109 nautical miles off Kelaa.
The vessels were escorted to the harbour in Kulhudhuffushi and handed over to the Maldives Police Service for further action.
In a separate incident in November last year, the MNDF Air Corps intercepted another Sri Lankan fishing vessel after it entered the Maldives Special Economic Zone without authorisation. Authorities said a quantity of drugs was recovered from the vessel and five individuals were arrested. The case remains under investigation, and the suspects are currently in custody pending trial.
Authorities have said Sri Lankan fishing vessels are among those involved in unauthorised fishing activities within Maldivian waters.
