The Maldives Coast Guard has intercepted a foreign vessel found fishing off K. Dhiffushi, with six people aboard.
According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the vessel was intercepted approximately 123 nautical miles east of Dhiffushi on Wednesday.
The MNDF states that measures are currently being taken to have the vessel brought to Malé; nevertheless, details regarding the country of origin of the vessel are not available at this time.
The interception comes amid increased scrutiny of foreign vessels following two oil tankers found near Malé in April after allegedly entering Maldivian waters illegally. Both later drifted in rough seas, with one colliding with the Sinamalé Bridge and the other sinking outside Maldivian waters.
