Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has captured a foreign fishing boat that had illegally entered the territory of the Maldives. MNDF stated the illegal fishing boat was found 15 nautical miles northeast of Isdhoo Muli in Laamu Atoll.
Coast Guard's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received the report of the fishing boat illegally entering the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Maldives. MRCC was informed of the incident by a fishing boat in the area. The Central Area Coast Guard Third Squadron's Maafai launch rushed to the area and took the ship into custody.
The fishing boat has now been taken into the custody of the Central Area Coast Guard Third Squadron. MNDF stated the case is being handed over to the Maldives Police Service (MPS) for further investigation.