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India’s High Commission in the Maldives is coordinating with relevant Maldivian authorities to secure the release of 26 Indian fishermen and three fishing boats detained for alleged illegal fishing in Maldivian waters.
Mariyam Adheela
An Sri Lankan fishing boat previously detained by the MNDF
Male’ — India’s High Commission in the Maldives is working with relevant Maldivian authorities to secure the release of 26 Indian fishermen and three fishing boats detained by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard for alleged illegal fishing, the The Hindu news agency reported.
The boats were intercepted approximately 180 nautical miles inside the Maldives’ maritime boundary while allegedly fishing in violation of local regulations.
According to the report, the Indian High Commission said it was closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure the fishermen’s legal rights are protected and that they receive the necessary assistance.
Justin Anthony, president of the International Fishermen Development Trust (INFIDET), said the fishermen may have entered Maldivian waters after losing control of their boats due to strong sea currents and adverse weather conditions.
Anthony urged the Indian government to intervene with Maldivian authorities to secure the release of the fishermen and their boats on humanitarian grounds, without imposing fines or confiscating the vessels.
Families of the detained fishermen have also appealed to the relevant authorities for assistance in securing their release.
The Indian High Commission has pledged to provide consular assistance and support efforts to safeguard the fishermen’s legal rights as the matter proceeds through the relevant legal procedures.
