MNDF: No illegal items aboard two foreign fishing boats intercepted within Maldivian seas

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) states no illegal items or activities were identified during the inspection of two foreign fishing vessels intercepted within Maldivian maritime territory.

The MNDF intercepted and inspected the vessels after receiving a report from a local fishing boat, which observed the foreign vessels traveling from east to west approximately nine nautical miles off GDh. Fiyoaree. Following the report, the Coast Guard Fourth Squadron under the MNDF Southern Area Command was deployed to the area to stop the vessels.

According to the MNDF, a joint inspection conducted by the Coast Guard and the Maldives Police Service found no evidence of legal violations or prohibited items onboard.

The MNDF further clarified that the channel where the vessels were intercepted is a recognized international maritime route frequently used by ships transiting through Maldivian waters. However, authorities have not yet disclosed the nationality of the vessels or provided details regarding their current status.

Foreign fishing vessels are occasionally intercepted within the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The most recent such incident involving the detention of foreign vessels was reported on February 2, when several Sri Lankan fishing boats were taken into custody.