MNDF seizes 3 foreign fishing vessels in Maldives' economic zone
The military said the vessels were operating approximately 170 nautical miles west of Alif Alif Atoll when they were intercepted.
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The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has seized three foreign fishing vessels suspected of operating illegally within the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
According to the MNDF, the vessels were intercepted on Monday night during a joint operation conducted by its Air Corps and Coast Guard.
The military said the vessels were operating approximately 170 nautical miles west of Alif Alif Atoll when they were intercepted.
Arrangements are now being made to bring the three vessels to Malé for further investigation.
The MNDF has not disclosed the countries in which the vessels are registered.
The latest incident follows the interception of two Sri Lankan fishing vessels earlier this year after they were found operating within Maldivian waters.
The MNDF also seized a Sri Lankan fishing vessel in November last year.
The Maldives maintains an Exclusive Economic Zone extending up to 200 nautical miles from its territorial baselines, within which it exercises sovereign rights over marine resources, including fisheries.
