Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has intercepted seven boats for illegal fishing in Maldivian waters.

According to MNDF, The seven Sri Lankan vessels were seized in 175 miles away from the capital.

Following reports of foreign vessels fishing using nets in Maldivian territorial waters made on 21st November, Coast Guard patrolled the area and intercepted the seven boats, of which two were caught net-fishing red-handed.

The trespassing vessels were seized by the Coast Guard's ship "Shaheedh Ali" on Friday morning and are being transported to the capital.