Fishermen’s protest: Police probe collision with Coastguard

Maldives Police Service, on Friday, said they are investigating an incident that occurred amid Wednesday’s protest by fishermen where the boats they were aboard deliberately hit the Coastguard vessels while entering Male’ lagoon.

The protest at sea, organized by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) - a trade Union of yellowfin tuna fishermen – initially began at Hulhumale’ jetty before traveling towards Male’ City. Marine Police and Coastguard vessels attempted to block the fishing boats from entering Male’ lagoon.

However, the boats had forced their way in. Videos from the day show the boat deliberately hitting Coastguard and Marine Police vessels as they made their way inside the lagoon.

The act was strongly criticized by many members of the public.

Sun, on Friday, inquired from the Police Spokesperson whether the incident will be investigated. In response, the Spokesperson said the authority was probing the incident without providing any further details.

A total of 35 fishing boats participated in the protest, which ended following the government’s assurance of diesel rate cuts and the assurance to disburse payment for MVR 46 million from the MVR 80 million pending in dues to fishermen’s catches by Thursday.