Boat hijacked in Maldivian waters

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has received information that a boat has been hijacked in the exclusive economic zone of Maldives. Coast Guard is now headed to the incident area.

MNDF Media Official Colonel Abdul Raheem said that the boat was hijacked about 190 miles northwest of Ha. Hoarafushi. He said that the incident took place this morning and MNDF received information this afternoon. Neighboring countries have been requested for assistance following this incident.

“We received information from an outside source. It’s not known when we will reach the area. We will request for foreign assistance if that’s necessary,” Abdul Raheem said.

Coast Guard’s Huravee launch is on its way there.

MNDF said that the hijacked boat does not belong to Maldives, and no information indicating that any Maldivian is on board has been received.

17:23 - MNDF said that the incident took place within 7 miles of the Maldives exclusive economic zone.

17:28 - MNDF has confirmed that the hijacked vessel is from Bolivia.

17:30 - MNDF: The hijacked cargo vessel is slowly moving further from Maldives.

MNDF’s Colonel Abdul Raheem:

“It is common for more than one vessel to be involved in incidents like this. So it’s likely that several vessels are near the hijacked boat. However this is not confirmed.”

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