The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard has seized two Sri Lankan fishing boats operating within Maldivian territorial waters, authorities said.
The boats were captured during a surveillance operation carried out by the MNDF Coast Guard and Air Corps at around 2:02 pm on Sunday (February 1).
According to the MNDF, the vessels were detected approximately 109 nautical miles off Haa Alif Kelaa, in northern Maldives.
Following the interception, the two boats are to be handed over to police authorities at Kulhudhuffushi port for further investigations.
Sri Lankan fishing vessels operating within the Maldives’ Special Economic Zone are periodically seized by Maldivian authorities for violating maritime boundaries. Officials have previously stated that some intercepted vessels have also been found carrying illegal narcotics.
Further details regarding the crew and any possible contraband were not immediately released. (Newswire/Adadhu.com)