Maldives National Defence Force – MNDF reported that Coastguard assisted in seven incidents at sea last night due to current bad weather at Maldives.
MNDF received reports of “Cruiser 3” dhoni capsized and a person missing from the vessel at 19:59 last night. Coast Guard’s First Squadrons Harbor Craft with divers were sent for assistance and at 20:20, the missing person was located.
Second incident was reported 20:15, a speedboat “Dengue Launch” that was travelling from near Thulhaagiri to Male’ was unable to travel due to the extreme weather and water had begun to fill the vessel. Though Coast Guard’s Second Squadrons Harbor Craft with divers were ready to attend the incident, the captain soon reported that the water was controlled, and the launch was able to dock at nearby Loabigili resort.
A third incident reported was the capsize of the 22-foot speedboat “Lonu Tails” near K. Giraavaru at 20:40. MNDF stated that Coast Guard’s Second Squadrons Harbor Craft arrived with divers and recused four people on the vessel. MNDF said that the rescued four people were brought to Male’ and are doing well.
At 20:08, MNDF received reports of water entering the “Lucky Star” speedboat that was near K. Gaafaru. Coast Guard’s First Squadrons FIC Velana prepped with divers to go to the scene, but before their departure, received reports that the water was controlled and the vessel was able to dock at K. Gaafaru.
In addition to this, at 20:49 MNDF received a report that two barges docked at Maldives Port Limited (MPL) area were cut off and drifting towards Funadhoo. However, the situation was brought under control after MPL’s tug boat was used to bring the barges back into the MPL area.
Meanwhile, MRCC had the Coast Guard’s Second Squadron on standby after being reported that the anchor of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company’s (MTCC) “Mahaa Jarrafa” got dragged and was headed towards a reef. Though it went close, it did not collide with the reef.
In another incident, a speed boat carrying tourists accidentally collided with a sandbank. Coast Guard coordinated with multiple places, and those travelling on the vessel were transported to nearby Reethi Rah from a speed boat sent from the resort.
MNDF confirmed that no injuries were sustained in any of the incidents of last night. Authorities have urged the public to be cautious in travelling due to the weather conditions.