The Malé City Council has fined 20 vessels for illegal mooring in the lagoons of Malé and Vilimalé.
The vessels were found during inspections carried out to make sure the lagoons are used properly and rules are followed.
The Council’s Harbour and Management Section carried out the operation with support from the Vilimalé Police Unit.
In Vilimalé lagoon, 17 vessels were found moored without permission. These vessels were fined and given warning stickers.
In Malé South Harbour near the Tsunami Monument area, three vessels were also fined. These vessels were blocking the Malé–Vilimalé ferry route. Complaints were received about delays in ferry services caused by these vessels.
The Council said it will continue regular checks in the lagoons to stop illegal mooring and keep the harbour areas in order.