MNDF Seizes Three Foreign Fishing Boats in Maldives' Economic Zone

Three fishing boats from a foreign country that were operating illegally in the Maldives' economic zone were seized by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) last night. The MNDF said the boats were seized in an operation conducted jointly by the MNDF Air Corps and the Coast Guard while they were operating 170 nautical miles west of AA. Atoll. The MNDF said efforts are now underway to bring the boats to Malé. The MNDF has not disclosed which country the fishing boats belong to. Earlier this year, two Sri Lankan fishing boats that had entered Maldivian waters were seized by the MNDF. In November last year, a fishing boat from the same country was also seized.