Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has said that they are working with the relevant authorities to investigate the fishing vessels that were brought into their custody for illegally fishing in the Maldivian Economic Zone.

Media Official of the MNDF, Ibrahim Nazim said that five illegal fishing vessels were found by the Coast Guard ship Huravee while patroling and they were brought into custody yesterday evening.

He said that each vessel had six people on board but did not reveal their nationalities.

Nazim said that the vessels found 30 nautical miles inside the Economic Zone east of Meemu Atoll and Vaavu Atoll is currently being brought to Male' City in the custody of the Coast Guard ship Huravee. They are expected to arrive at the capital tomorrow at noon.

MNDF Media Official said that the five vessel s were fishing together at a certain distance from each other.