Coast Guard detains two Sri Lankan fishing vessels for illegal entry

Maldivian Coast Guard has detained two Sri Lankan fishing vessels for illegally entering Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) last night.

According to a statement released today by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the foreign vessels were intercepted during a Coast Guard surveillance operation being carried out to monitor activity within the EEZ.

MNDF has not yet disclosed the exact location where the vessels were found. However, photographs released by the agency suggest that military drones were deployed to locate and track the vessels.

MNDF confirmed that the detained vessels are currently being brought to Malé and handed over to Police, with legal proceedings to be initiated.

Maldivian Coast Guard regularly detains foreign vessels found operating illegally in Maldivian waters as part of its ongoing efforts to protect the country’s maritime resources.