The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard ship CGS Huravee detained two Sri Lankan fishing vessels during a night-time operation in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The vessels, suspected of illegal fishing, were intercepted on the night of June 22 and are en route to Malé for handover to the Maldives Police Service to face legal action under maritime law.
Key Facts:
- The vessels were operating without valid permission in Maldives’ EEZ.
- Authorities plan to initiate legal proceedings in accordance with national fisheries legislation.
- The operation aligns with the Coast Guard’s regular enforcement measures to protect marine resources and reinforce national security within the EEZ.
The MNDF Coast Guard, the maritime arm of the Maldives, maintains continual surveillance of the EEZ to counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing . In recent years, the force—often supported by drone surveillance—has intercepted several foreign vessels for unauthorized activities and handed them over to the Maldives Police Service.
On December 26, 2024, a Sri Lankan fishing boat was detected via drone, intercepted by Coast Guard units, and transferred to police custody—highlighting the growing role of aerial surveillance in maritime enforcement.
Illegal fishing within the Maldives’ EEZ not only threatens marine biodiversity but also undermines the livelihoods of local fishermen. The MNDF Coast Guard’s actions demonstrate the government’s commitment to defending national waters and enforcing maritime laws to ensure sustainable resource use.
