The tourists tried to go to Foalhavahi

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has said that the tourist of the deep sea fishing boat “Fahi Roalhi” that left the port of Maradhoo, Addu City, at dusk yesterday attempted to go to Foalhavahi and that they sought information to do certain things on the journey to the island.

Speaking at a press conference at that Coast Guard Building today, the Information Officer of MNDF, Major Adnaan Mohamed said that the boat had 16 locals and seven tourists onboard.

The MNDF did not release the nationalities of the tourists that attempted to go to Foalhavahi or Diego Garcia which is part of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

“Looking at the information we received regarding this incident, we have received information about things that raises concerns. In that is that the tourists found people that would take them to Diego Garcia (Foalhavahi) from two atolls in the South.” Major Adnaan said.

He said that the special operation had to be conducted against the boat that left around 6:05 p.m. since there were factors involved that could compromise the Maldives on the international stage.

Speaking at today’s conference, Commander of the Coast Guard, Colonel Mohamed Ibrahim said that the search for the vessel began via air and sea as soon as the information about the vessel came in. And he said that the Coast Guard looked for the shortest route to Foalhavahi from the Maldives.

He said that the deep sea fishing boat was found outside the Maldivian border.

“These people (the vessel) were stopped about 54 miles outside the Maldivian border from Addu Atoll. When we checked there were things that we were concerned about. Then we received different information from the first time. And the information was different again for the third time.” Colonel Mohamed Ibrahim said.

Colonel Mohamed Ibrahim said that up to this day, the Maldivian fisherman were an example to the rest of the world. But because of one boat we are now seeing something very sad.

“Up to today while fishing, no Maldivian vessel has entered to foreign territory illegally.” Colonel Ibrahim said.

State Minister of the Defence Ministry, Mohamed Zuhair said that MNDF stopped the deep sea fishing boat that left Maradhoo with tourists en route to Foalhavahi inside the territory of another country.