MNDF seizes two Sri Lankan fishing vessels operating illegally in Maldivian waters

Two Sri Lankan fishing vessels have been seized after being found operating illegally in Maldivian waters, the MNDF has confirmed.

The MNDF Coast Guard, supported by the MNDF Air Corps, intercepted the vessels at 14:02 on Sunday. They were located 109 nautical miles off the coast of Kelaa, in the northernmost region of the Maldives.

Both vessels are being escorted to Kulhudhuffushi, where they will be handed over to the police for further investigation.

Foreign fishing vessels are occasionally detained for entering Maldivian waters without authorization. On 17 December, two Sri Lankan fishing boats were similarly seized 51 nautical miles off Kelaa.