Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has reported the discovery of three Somali nationals in a dinghy near Fuvahmulah City.

The suspicious vessel was located about 10 miles northwest of the city and intercepted by the Harbour Patrol of MNDF's Southern Area Command, Coast Guard Fourth Squadron.

The MNDF stated that the dinghy appeared to be a "skip" typically used by Somalis. The vessel, along with the three individuals, was brought to Fuvahmulah Port under Coast Guard supervision and handed over to the police for further investigation.

This incident recalls a similar event in 2008 when a group of Somalis in a dinghy was found in Fuvahmulah. At the time, the MNDF identified them as Somali pirates and described the dinghy as a vessel used for attempting to hijack boats.

Additionally, earlier this year, on June 22, three Somalis in a dinghy were rescued near Vavathi, a remote island in another atoll.

The authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the current case.