News Desk
FUVAMULAH, Maldives — The Maldives Coast Guard intercepted a dinghy carrying three Somali nationals approximately 10 miles northwest of Fuvah Mulaku Island, a remote atoll located 494.2 kilometers (307 miles) south of the nation’s capital, Malé, officials confirmed on Monday.
According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the small vessel, described as a skiff commonly used by Somalis, was spotted after Coast Guard personnel observed its suspicious movements in the area. The three individuals aboard, believed to be Somali nationals, were taken into custody and transported to Fuvah Mulaku for further investigation with the assistance of local authorities.
While the Coast Guard has not disclosed the purpose of the individuals’ journey, the Maldives Police Service indicated that the men appeared to have been lost at sea.
This incident is part of a recurring pattern of Somali vessels entering Maldivian waters, often in distress or under questionable circumstances. In a similar case six years ago, Somali pirates were captured after their boat ran aground in the Maldives.
The Maldives has previously encountered Somali pirates in its waters, particularly during sunnier months, when piracy activity across the Indian Ocean tends to intensify. This seasonal increase underscores the importance of vigilant maritime security in the region.
Maldivian authorities have also collaborated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to repatriate Somali nationals, including suspected pirates, following brief periods of detention. However, this latest interception highlights the ongoing challenges of safeguarding the vast oceanic stretches surrounding the island nation.
