Police say fishermen protesting for the state-owned Maldives Fisheries Company (MIFCO) to purchase Bodukanneli have blocked one of the busiest sea routes near Malé City.

According to police, officers had been communicating with the protesters for the past 24 hours, repeatedly advising them not to obstruct vessel movement. Despite these warnings, the fishing boats continued to block the sea area between Malé and Dhoonidhoo from yesterday afternoon into the night, disrupting travel for other vessels and passengers.

Police and Immigration officers boarded some of the boats to identify expatriates involved in the protest. Authorities say the Fishermen’s Union resisted these efforts and attempted to obstruct police duties.

Three individuals have been arrested for obstructing police work, and three protest boats have been taken into custody. Among those arrested is Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, a founder and General Secretary of the Fishermen’s Union.

The protest began Wednesday morning, with fishermen from 49 boats gathering near the Kanneli jetty in Hulhumalé. The MNDF Coast Guard later stopped the boats as they attempted to enter Malé’s North Harbor.