Two Indian ships surrounded and searched the Maldivian fishing boat Asurumaa 3 while inside the Maldives Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a sailor has told Adhadhu.
The sailor said Asurumaa 3 from Alif Dhaal Mahibadhoo was fishing off the coast of Haa Dhaal Kulhudhuffushi when it was stopped by Indian soldiers at 2:30 pm.
Indian military personnel had questioned the crew and boarded the boat to conduct a search, the sailor added.
"They are asking if the boat has the Thuraya satellite phone. It is not illegal to use the Thuraya phone in the Maldives. The boat does not even have a Thuraya phone. That boat has a device installed by Ooredoo," he added.
"We have been contacting the boat since 2.30 pm today. We have done everything to connect the boat with the Coast Guard. The boat said there were two Indian ships near it. They are onboard the boat."
The sailor condemned the Indian troops boarding and interrogating the crew while it was in Maldives EEZ.
"Indian troops boarded the boat today after we spotted a good fishing area following many days of search. This is a big loss and a big fear for Maldivian fishermen."
There are 18 crew onboard the Asurumaa 3 boat. The boat had been out at sea for the past two weeks.
