A foreign fishing boat that was operating illegally in Maldives maritime territory has been brought under the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard’s control, along with the six people on board.
The boat was seized today about 123 nautical miles east of K. Dhiiffushi. According to MNDF, efforts are under way to bring the vessel to Malé, and it is not yet clear which country the boat belongs to.
Foreign boats that enter Maldives waters illegally have been seized before, with large numbers of people prosecuted. The latest seizure comes as attention remains on two other foreign boats that earlier entered Maldives territory unlawfully, were placed under Customs control, then drifted, collided with Sinamalé Bridge and ran aground, causing major damage. Malé City Council has called for compensation for the damage caused by those two boats.
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