It has been revealed that two vessels entered Maldivian waters without authorization and remained anchored near Male' for over a week without detection by any border control agencies.
Credible sources told Adhadhu that the two vessels, identified as MT KG 1 and AL 1, entered Maldivian territory on April 26.
The vessels entered the country without prior notification to any relevant authorities. Of the two vessels currently anchored in the Male' area, AL 1 does not possess an IMO number.
The vessels' last port of call was Shinas, Oman, and they were reportedly en route to Kandla, India. Both vessels are commanded by Indian captains; MT KG 1 carries a crew of nine, while AL 1 has 11 crew members on board.
A source told Adhadhu that authorities only became aware of the vessels on May 3, a week after they had anchored.
"This is a very serious matter. A criminal investigation must be conducted," a security sector official said.
"Where is the patrolling? Where are the expensive drones that were acquired?"
A joint team from the Maldives Customs Service and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) boarded and searched the vessels on May 3.
To date, no government agencies have released any information regarding the two vessels.
