The Maldives authorities apprehended three Sri Lankan vessels that were illegally fishing sharks within Maldivian territory.
Maldives National Defence Force’s (MNDF) Coast Guard discovered the vessels while patrolling the country's borders. The boats were inside Maldives territory and a large quantity of sharks and other varieties of fish were found onboard the vessels, MNDF reported.
MNDF is currently attempting to bring the vessels to Malé; the authority stated they will be able to dock them near Kaafu atoll Dhoonidhoo sometime around 01:00 am on Tuesday.
The Coast Guard confirmed that two of the three vessels were taken into custody earlier on 30 November. The vessels, “Banuzan” and “Rathu 01” had six Sri Lankans crew members.
The third vessel, “Lakpwiya Dhenethu” was apprehended later on December 1. The vessel had seven crew members onboard.
This is the most recent foreign vessel seized by Maldives authorities. Many vessels that have been apprehended after illegally entering Maldivian territory are docked in Hulhumalé.