Foreign vessel operating illegally in Maldivian waters intercepted

A foreign vessel that illegally entered Maldivian waters has been intercepted.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that the vessel was intercepted during a special joint operation conducted by the MNDF Air Corps and the MNDF Coast Guard to patrol the northern maritime area of the Maldives. According to the MNDF, the vessel was located with the assistance of an Air Corps drone. The MNDF has not disclosed the nationality of the intercepted vessel.

The MNDF stated that after the Coast Guard intercepted the vessel, it has now been taken under Coast Guard custody.

Previously, vessels from neighboring countries have also been detained and fined while attempting to fish in Maldivian territorial waters. In some cases, the vessels have also been confiscated by the state.