The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard has intercepted and seized two Sri Lankan fishing vessels found illegally operating within the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
According to MNDF, the vessels were identified during a routine patrol conducted by the Coast Guard’s Northern Area Command, with surveillance support including drone reconnaissance. Both vessels were caught fishing without authorization in Maldivian territorial waters.
The first vessel, carrying seven crew members, was intercepted early Monday morning. A second vessel, with six Sri Lankan nationals aboard, was detained later the same day. Both boats were initially escorted to Filladhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll for inspection and subsequently transported to Malé for legal processing.
The MNDF confirmed that the vessels and crew have been handed over to the Maldives Police Service for further investigation. No resistance was reported during the operation.
The Coast Guard reiterated its continued commitment to safeguarding Maldivian maritime boundaries and addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Officials stressed that the Maldives maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward foreign vessels violating its sovereignty.
This marks the latest in a series of enforcement actions as Maldivian authorities ramp up maritime surveillance to protect the nation’s vital marine resources and uphold international maritime law.
