Although spokesperson acknowledged unauthorized entry of vessel into Maldivian waters constituted a security breach, he fails to explain how such a significant lapse occurred

Government spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) has characterized the unauthorized entry of two vessels into Maldivian waters and their subsequent anchoring near Male' on April 26 as a security breach. However, he was unable to explain how such a significant lapse occurred.

During a press conference held on Thursday, a journalist raised questions regarding two vessels that entered Maldivian waters and docked without prior notification to any relevant authorities.

Public concern has mounted over the discovery that two vessels, the MT KG 1 and AL 1, had entered and anchored within Maldivian waters for an entire week before authorities became aware of their presence. Addressing inquiries regarding the incident, Shareef noted the vastness of the Maldives' maritime territory but emphasized that the unauthorized entry of vessels is a grave matter and constitutes a significant security breach.

While the spokesperson did not clarify why relevant authorities remained unaware as the incident unfolded, he emphasized that establishing the necessary resources to address and mitigate such issues has been a top priority from the outset and remains an ongoing effort.

Their primary objective would be to ascertain the true intent behind the vessel's entry. Regardless of the duration, the very moment an undeclared vessel enters Maldivian territory under a false flag, it constitutes a security breach. Such an action is a direct violation of the law.

Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu)

Shareef stated that the matter is currently being investigated in coordination with the relevant authorities. He noted that the Maldives Police Service, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), and Maldives Customs Service are conducting a joint investigation. Emphasizing that this is a matter of national security, Shareef added that further information regarding the case would be shared by those respective agencies.

Shareef further stated that efforts are underway to enhance and strengthen resources by collaborating with various parties, particularly through diplomatic and military partnerships.

Although a joint team from Customs and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) boarded and inspected the two vessels on the 3rd of this month after the matter came to light, no further information regarding the incident has been disclosed. As cases of vessels entering Maldivian territorial waters without authorization or in violation of regulations surface periodically, many members of the public continue to express their concerns over the issue.