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Seized Sri Lankan vessels had caught large number of sharks: MNDF

The Coast Guard of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has revealed that the three foreign vessels from Sri Lanka that were seized in Maldivian waters had caught a large number of sharks.

The vessels were intercepted by the MNDF Coast Guard ship Ghazi while patrolling the Maldivian waters on November 30. Two of the vessels were carrying six Sri Lankan crew members each. The third vessel had seven crew members and was seized on December 1. MNDF stated that the vessels had caught a large number of sharks and some other species of fish. The vessels are being brought to Male' City under the supervision of the Coast Guard Ship Ghazi for further investigation.

Foreign fishing vessels illegally fishing in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Maldives are occasionally reported to the authorities. MNDF appreciated the great cooperation provided by the local fishermen in the seizure of such vessels.