The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has confirmed that no illegal items or activities were discovered aboard two foreign fishing vessels intercepted in the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) yesterday.

The vessels were first reported by a local fishing boat as they transited from east to west through the Equatorial Channel. The location was identified as approximately nine nautical miles west of Gdh. Fiyoaree, situated between Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Fuvahmulah.

Following the report, the MNDF Southern Area Command’s Coast Guard Fourth Squadron intercepted the vessels. A joint search operation was subsequently conducted by the Coast Guard and the Maldives Police Service. However, authorities stated that the thorough inspection yielded no evidence of legal violations or prohibited items.

MNDF further noted that the Equatorial Channel is a recognized international maritime route frequently used by various vessels transiting through Maldivian territorial waters.