Two Sri Lankan fishing boats have been detained by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard for allegedly fishing illegally within the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).The two fishing boats were seized by the MNDF’s Northern Area Command Coast Guard First Squadron following a report received by the MNDF Coast Guard on 25 January.

One boat had seven crew members while the other had six crew members, foreign media reported.According to the MNDF, the two vessels are currently under the custody of the Coast Guard First Squadron’s Coast Guard Ship Nooraddeen, docked at Haa Alif Filladhoo harbour. According to foreign media, the two fishing boats will be brought to Male City and subsequently handed over to the police.- With input from agencies