Sri Lankan fishing boats which sought shelter headed out of Maldivian waters

The seven Sri Lankan fishing boats which sought assistance from the Maldivian Coastguard due to severe weather conditions earlier this week are now headed out of Maldivian waters.

The fishing boats were transiting through the eight and half degree channel at leeward of H. A. Atoll when it requested shelter under force majeure due to severe weather conditions on Saturday, July 20.

The Coastguard assisted the boats under its international obligation to assist vessels in distress, and allowed the boats to dock at H. Dh. Kulhudhuffushi.

MNDF’s spokesperson Captain Ibrahim Azim reports the seven fishing boats headed out of Maldivian waters under Coastguard supervision at 8:30 am this Wednesday.

The fishing boats at expected to completely exit Maldivian waters at approximately 2:30 pm.