The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard has detained two Sri Lankan fishing vessels for allegedly operating illegally within the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The interception took place during a surveillance operation carried out early Monday morning as part of the Coast Guard’s routine maritime patrols.
According to statements issued by the MNDF, the vessels were detected and tracked during the operation, with visual materials released by the agency suggesting the use of military drones to assist in locating the boats. However, the exact location within the EEZ where the vessels were intercepted has not been publicly disclosed.
Both vessels are now being transported to Malé, where they will be handed over to the Maldives Police Service for legal proceedings.
The MNDF noted that unauthorised fishing by foreign vessels remains a recurring issue in Maldivian waters. The Coast Guard continues to carry out operations to monitor and deter such activities in order to safeguard the country’s maritime resources.
At present, no further details have been released regarding the crew on board the vessels or whether any catch was seized at the time of arrest.
