KUWAIT CITY, Feb 9: In a tense early-morning operation underscoring Kuwait’s zero-tolerance approach to maritime violations, the Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of three suspects following a dramatic pursuit at sea.

According to the Ministry, Coast Guard patrols under the General Directorate of Coast Guard detected a boat engaged in illegal fishing activities during a routine maritime sweep on Sunday morning, February 8, 2026, within Kuwait’s territorial waters.

As security forces moved in, the boat’s captain blatantly ignored repeated orders to stop and fled at high speed, triggering an intense pursuit. The chase continued until the suspect reached the shoreline, where he attempted a desperate escape maneuver. In a dangerous escalation, the suspect tried to run over a member of the security force before being swiftly subdued and taken into custody. No injuries were reported among the security personnel.

Investigations revealed that the suspects included one Kuwaiti citizen and two Bedouns, all of whom were found to have prior criminal records. Authorities also confirmed that the vessel was not registered as a fishing boat and was operating in clear violation of its permit.

Following established legal procedures, the illegal boat was confiscated and destroyed, while the suspects were referred to the competent authorities for further legal action.

The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed that any attempt to breach the law or endanger the lives of security personnel will be met with firm and decisive action, stressing that maritime patrols will continue relentlessly to safeguard Kuwait’s territorial waters and uphold public safety.