The Coast Guard of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has seized a fishing boat from Sri Lanka called Satasarani 06 that had illegally entered the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Maldives. The fishing boat has been handed over to the Maldives Police Service (MPS) for further investigation.
MNDF stated the fishing boat was carrying six crew members and about 500kg of fish when it was seized. MNDF also stated in a recent operation another Sri Lankan fishing boat was also seized 109 nautical miles off the coast of Fohtheyo Muli in Vaavu Atoll. The case has also been handed over to MPS for further investigation.
Speaking to PSM News, Coast Guard Commander Colonel Ibrahim Hilmy said that special operations are being conducted to maintain security in the Maldivian waters. He said that MNDF appreciated the great cooperation provided by the local fishermen in the seizure of such vessels. He also said the number of fishing vessels illegally entering the EEZ of the Maldives has decreased over the years.
Foreign vessels entering the EEZ of the Maldives for illegal fishing are released after a fine is paid.