MNDF Coast Guard has taken the custody of two foreign vessels inside the Maldivian economic zone.

MNDF said that the vessels were taken into custody 29 nautical miles south-west of Haa Alifu Thuraakunu following reports of fishing-type vessels in the area. MNDF said that the vessels are currently docked in Haa Alifu Uligan.

Both vessels had flags of India hoisted according to the MNDF while one vessel had a crew of nine, the other had a crew of ten people on board.

MNDF said that they are working with the relevant state authorities regarding the case.

It is not uncommon for the Maldivian Coast Guard to take illegal fishing boats in Maldivian waters into their custody.

On 3 October, MNDF seized an Iranian vessel drifting at sea in the Maldivian territory with illegal drugs.