MNDF Coast Guard detains foreign fishing vessel operating illegally inside EEZ

A foreign fishing vessel with seven crew members has been seized this Wednesday inside the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

MNDF said the vessel was intercepted during a special operation conducted by the Coast Guard after it was found fishing illegally in Maldivian waters. The name and registration details of the vessel have not yet been disclosed.

According to MNDF, the vessel was stopped 46 nautical miles northwest of HA. Thuraakunu at 18:34 pm on Wednesday and taken into custody by a Coast Guard ship. The vessel is now being transported to H.Dh. Kulhudhuffushi for further action by the relevant authorities.

This is the second such case this month. On the 16th, MNDF seized another foreign fishing boat operating illegally 123 nautical miles off K. Dhiffushi. The Coast Guard has intercepted foreign vessels on multiple occasions in recent years, with offenders fined significant amounts under Maldivian maritime regulations.

MNDF continues to monitor the EEZ closely as part of efforts to prevent illegal fishing and protect national resources.