Indian coast guard has released a Maldivian fishing vessel that had been taken under custody of Indian Coast Guard. MNDF has reported that they have received news that the fishing vessel has also set off to return to Maldives

Information Officer of Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Ibrahim Azim had informed previously that the institution has in fact received the information regarding the boat being taken into custody.

MNDF had initially reported that the case was being addressed and assistance was being provided.

It has been reported that the boat -named "12Veervaru" boat- had been fishing in the Suheli Atoll of Lakshadweep. Lakshadweep is a union territory of India. Additionally, the vessel is also said to have been taken to the capital of Lakshadweep- Kavaratti by sunset yesterday.

MNDF informed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had addressed the matter as per the set proceedings. It has been reported that it is common for MNDF Coast Guard to also inspect various fishing vessels that operate against rules, within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Maldives. As such MNDF has said that the Coast Guard typically deals with such fishing vessels under due process. The Defense Force has reported that the Maldivian fishing vessel had been stopped after entering waters within the territory of India.

MNDF has reported that they have received news that the fishing vessel has been released from custody and has set off to return to Maldives. The Defense Force has noted that Maldivian fishing vessels have been advised on multiple occasions to not enter economic zone waters of foreign countries.