Authorities have detained a fishing vessel that was caught trespassing in the Maldivian territorial waters.

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard received a report of the illegal fishing vessel at around 11:45am on Monday. The vessel was spotted 140 nautical miles east off Maafushi island in Kaafu atoll, well into the Maldivian exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Coast Guard launched a special operation, with MNDF’s aircraft conducting an air surveillance of the area to locate the boat.

After the confirmation of the location, the recently refitted Coast Guard ship “Huravee” was redirected there, and detained the illegal fishing vessel carrying six crew members. The vessel is being escorted to the capital.

Further, MNDF thanked local fishermen for the cooperation and support provided to the institution including the captain and crew of “Asuruma 3” which identified the foreign vessel and reported to authorities.