Sri Lankan fishing boat intercepted in Maldivian waters: MNDF

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated that the fishing vessel intercepted while operating illegally in the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone belongs to neighboring Sri Lanka.

The boat was located with the assistance of MNDF Air Corps drones during an operation conducted last Thursday to monitor the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone.

Today, MNDF stated that the intercepted boat is a Sri Lankan vessel, and there were 3 people on board when it was taken under Coast Guard custody. MNDF added that the vessel has now been handed over to the Maldives Police Service.

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