Several Arrested At Sea As Fishermen’s Union Protest Intensifies
Coast Guard blocking a fishing vessel from entering presidential jetty during today’s protest. | Photo: MV+
Maldives Police have arrested several individuals from fishing vessels participating in the fishermen’s union protest, further escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing demonstrations.
Police have confirmed that three individuals, including Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, were arrested on allegations of obstructing police duty. Officers detained the individuals from two fishing vessels before escorting both the vessels and those arrested to Dhoonidhoo.
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In a brief statement, the Maldives Police Service said officers boarded vessels involved in the protest “to identify migrant workers who were participating in the demonstration.” They have not disclosed the identities of the detained nor the number of people arrested.
The arrests took place on the second day of a major protest led by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU), which began at 9:30am yesterday, on the occasion of Fishermen’s Day, from the Hulhumalé Kanneli Jetty. A flotilla of around 50 fishing vessels then moved towards Malé, gathering outside the Presidential Jetty and stretching as far as Masveringe Park, where they have remained anchored in demonstration since yesterday.
The union is demanding long-delayed government action on key pledges: raising the floor price for yellowfin tuna, improving access to ice, and providing fuel at base rates. Fishermen say the administration has repeatedly failed to deliver on these commitments despite months of appeals.
The flotilla continues its protest at sea under the slogan “We won’t sail, we can’t take it anymore.” Many fishermen have vowed to remain onboard their vessels for as long as necessary, warning that their livelihoods are at breaking point after years of unaddressed concerns. They insist the protest will continue, both offshore and on land, until the government honours its promises.
The fishermen’s three core demands are:
• for the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) to commence the purchase of yellowfin tuna;
• for the government to set a floor price between MVR 80 and MVR 100 per kilogram;
• and for fuel to be supplied at the base rate while ensuring reliable access to ice.
Neither the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources nor President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has commented publicly on the protest or the fishermen’s demands.
