Two Sri Lankan Vessels Detained for Alleged Illegal Fishing in Maldivian Waters
MNDF Coast Guard detains two Sri Lankan fishing vessels in Maldivian waters | Photo: MNDF
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard has detained two Sri Lankan fishing vessels for allegedly operating illegally within Maldivian waters.
ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޚާއްޞަ އިޤްތިޞާދީ ސަރަހައްދުގައި ހަރަކާތްތެރިވަމުންދިޔަ ބޭރު ޤައުމެއްގެ 2 މަސްބޯޓް، އެމްއެންޑީއެފް ކޯސްޓްގާޑްގެ ބެލުމުގެ ދަށަށް ގެނެސްފި. pic.twitter.com/PHOq3sqTeb
— Maldives National Defence Force (@MNDF_Official) June 23, 2025advertisement
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The vessels were intercepted during a patrol operation conducted early Monday morning as part of routine efforts to safeguard the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The MNDF did not specify the precise location within the EEZ where the vessels were apprehended.
According to the MNDF, both vessels are being transported to Malé, where legal proceedings will be initiated. No further information has been released regarding the crew members or any catch that may have been found on board at the time of interception.
Authorities have noted that unauthorised fishing by foreign vessels in Maldivian waters has been reported previously. Monitoring and enforcement operations aimed at deterring such activities remain ongoing.
