Sri Lankan fishing boat captured off Dhiffushi

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF)’s Coastguard has captured a foreign fishing boat found illegally operating in Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The boat was captured east of K. Dhiffushi while engaged in illegal fishing activities.

According to MNDF, the boat, which is registered under the Sri Lankan flag, had six individuals onboard at the time of its capture.

The boat has been handed over to Maldives Police Service for further investigation.

Illegal fishing by foreign vessels in Maldivian waters is a recurring issue. Under international law, foreign vessels are prohibited from operating in another nation's EEZ without approval.