Thursday
19th Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Shamaal with the Chief of Indian Airforce.
The Ihavandhoo Island Council has stated that Indian fishing vessels engage in illegal fishing within Maldivian borders with the use of nets, and that the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) had not taken any action even after they had been notified.
Fishermen from Ihavandhoo (Haa Alif Atoll) had told The Maldives Journal that they had sighted an Indian fishing vessel using nets to fish in the waters near Ihavandhoo. The Maldives Journal and its sister-outlet, Dhiyares, had reported the issue. The report was responded to with mockery from MP Mohamed Shifau (MDP-Ihavandhoo).
The Ihavandhoo Island Council said that fishermen had reported Indian fishing vessels active in the area to the Council on two occasions within the past week. The Council had forwarded the reports to the MNDF.
The fishermen had also directly reported the matter to the MNDF.
The Ihavandhoo Island Council stated that the MNDF had not taken any action regarding the vessel. The Ihavandhoo fishermen had avoided going too close to the vessel out of fear that they may have been armed.
The MNDF had stated that a Coast Guard vessel had been sent to investigate the Indian vessel. However, on having reached the location, the vessel had long gone. The MNDF said that as different reports of different vessels were put forward, it was difficult to identify which vessel to pursue.
The Council stated that the sightings of the Indian vessels had also been reported to the Fisheries Ministry.