Hijacked ship leaves Maldivian territory

The cargo ship which was hijacked within the Maldives Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has left Maldivian territory.

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Media Official Colonel Abdul Raheem said today that Coast Guard’s vessel Huravee has reached the area, and they are patrolling the area 188 miles outside of Hoarafushi.

“The ship is outside our EEZ. We are now guarding the Maldivian territory,” Abdul Raheem said.

MNDF said that following the incident, Indian navy is also active in the area.

The Bolivian ship operated by an Iranian Shipping Line was hijacked yesterday morning about 190 miles northwest of Hoarafushi, 7 miles into Maldivian territory.

International media has reported that the hijacked ship was transporting sugar to Iran, and the pirates are demanding for several million dollars.

Somali pirates have been seen in Maldivian territory on several occasions. However of late, this is the first incidence of piracy. Indian waters are patrolled by Indian, Iranian and NATO navy. Piracy has become a problem in Indian waters lately as well.