Authorities seize three foreign vessels in Maldivian waters

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has seized three foreign fishing vessels last night, suspected of operating illegally within the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

In a statement, the MNDF confirmed that the vessels were intercepted in a joint operation conducted by the MNDF Air Corps and the Coast Guard approximately 170 nautical miles west of AA. Atoll. Efforts are currently underway to escort the vessels to Malé.

The MNDF has yet to disclose the nationality of the fishing vessels.

Earlier this year, the MNDF intercepted two Sri Lankan fishing vessels for illegally entering Maldivian waters. A similar incident involving a Sri Lankan vessel was also reported in November last year.