Two Sri Lankan Fishing Vessels Seized in Maldivian Waters

Two Sri Lankan fishing vessels have been seized after being found operating illegally in Maldivian waters, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has confirmed.

The MNDF Coast Guard, with support from the MNDF Air Corps, intercepted the vessels at 14:02 on Sunday. They were located 109 nautical miles off the coast of Kelaa, in the northernmost region of the Maldives.

Both vessels are being escorted to Kulhudhuffushi, where they will be handed over to the police for further investigation.

Incidents of foreign fishing vessels entering Maldivian waters without authorisation occur occasionally. On 17 December, two Sri Lankan fishing boats were similarly seized 51 nautical miles off Kelaa.