Somalis found in a dinghy off Fuvahmulah

A group of Somalis has been found in a dinghy off Fuvahmulah City.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that upon spotting a suspicious dinghy about 10 miles northwest of Fuvahmulah City, the MNDF Southern Area Command, Coast Guard Fourth Squadron's Harbour Patrol went to the area and took the dinghy under Coast Guard custody. MNDF also stated that the individuals onboard are suspected to be Somalis.

"Upon going to the area and inspecting it, it was found that this is a type of 'skiff' used by Somalis from outside the Maldives. There were 3 people suspected to be Somalis in this dinghy," MNDF said.

Under the custody of the MNDF Coast Guard, the dinghy has now been brought into the Fuvahmulah City harbour. MNDF stated that work is underway to hand over the dinghy to the Maldives Police Service.

Last June, a Somali dinghy with three Somalis washed ashore on Vavathi in N. Atoll.