A Coast Guard vessel. PHOTO/MNDF
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has transferred the custody of two fishing vessels and their passengers, that allegedly entered the special economic zone of the Maldives illegally, to Maldives Police Service.
Last week MNDF had taken into custody a vessel travelling nine miles southwest of the island Maamigili in Alif Dhaal atoll and another vessel travelling 76.5 miles west of the island of Thaa atoll Hirilandhoo island.
According to MNDF, the two vessels along with the crew were brought to capital Male and transferred to Police custody on Sunday. Police spokesperson announced that the case was under investigation but did not reveal any further details. MNDF stated that, based on the information given by the passengers the vessels were travelling from Somalia to Thailand.
Meanwhile, defence minister Adam Shareef has declared that the crew of the boats are believed to be pirates.