The Maldives Coast Guard has intercepted a foreign fishing vessel that had illegally entered the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
While the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has not yet disclosed the vessel's details, authorities confirmed it was seized at 6:34 pm approximately 46 nautical miles north of Haa Alif Thuraakunu. There were seven crew members on board at the time of the seizure.
"In a special operation conducted by the MNDF Coast Guard, a foreign fishing vessel operating illegally within the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone has been taken into custody by the MNDF Coast Guard Ship Imaduddin," the military stated.
Efforts are currently underway to escort the vessel to Haa Dhaal Kulhudhuffushi.
The CGS Imaduddin, which carried out the interception, is one of the most advanced vessels in the Coast Guard fleet. Commissioned on July 27, the ship was gifted to the Maldives by the Australian government.
