Eight people taken on board Sri Lankan fishing vessel were from Hivvaru boat: MNDF

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has confirmed that the eight people taken on board a Sri Lankan fishing vessel about 290 miles east of Ga. Dhaandhoo last night, belonged to Hivvaru boat.

This has been confirmed by MNDF Spokesperson Colonel Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef, who also said that efforts are under way by the Coast Guard to contact the owner of the Sri Lankan fishing vessel to clarify more information.

He said that details such as the condition of the eight people, are not yet known.

Colonel Abdul Raheem said that the Coast Guard vessel which departed last night has still not arrived at the scene of the incident, and that information will be shared with the media as it is received.