Crocodile off Guraidhoo coast to be released to ensure it "cannot come back to Maldives"

MNDF has stated that the military is working to release the crocodile seen off the coast of K. Guraidhoo to ensure that it "cannot return to Maldives".

MNDF said that the crocodile was sighted 1.5 nautical miles northwest from Guraidhoo. It was reported to the Coast Guard by maritime vessel "Ranmuiy", said the MNDF.

The crew of "Ranmuiy" caught the crocodile, which measured six feet in length, said MNDF.

MNDF stated that the crocodile is now under their care and they are working to release it outside of Maldives' economic zone to ensure that it cannot return to Maldivian waters.

A crocodile was also caught in April that had swam into Maldivian waters. That time, it was sighted near the "VARU by Atmosphere" resort in Male' atoll.

Even though crocodiles are not indigenous to Maldives, it is seen at times near islands. Such crocodiles are caught and released outside of Maldives where they cannot return, said the MNDF. The currents are taken into account when releasing crocodiles in such areas.