Two foreign fishing vessels have been seized for attempting to illegally fish in Maldivian waters.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) revealed that two Sri Lankan fishing boats were seized on Friday, for attempting to illegally fish in the Maldives’ Special Economic Zone, in violation of regulations.

The foreign fishing vessels suspected of having illegally fished in the SEZ have since been brought into MNDF’s custody.

This was done during a special operation conducted by MNDF’s northern area command coast guard first squadron, following a report received by MNDF CG.

MNDF disclosed that the vessels were brought into their CG custody from the north of Maldives.

One of the two fishing vessels had seven crew members onboard and the other had six.

The two fishing boats are currently docked at Filladhoo island of Haa Alif atoll, under the supervision of the coast guard ship “Nooradeen” of MNDF’s northern area command coast guard first squadron.

MNDF is currently working to transfer the two fishing boats to Malé, where they will be handed over to the Maldives Police Service (MPS).