Authorities have urged caution for vessels travelling near K. Dhoonidhoo after debris from a burnt fishing boat was found drifting in the area.
The boat Fresh from the Sea, carrying 15 people, caught fire at 14:55 on Saturday while travelling near Male'. The vessel later sank, leaving parts of the hull and cargo floating 0.38 nautical miles northwest of Dhoonidhoo, according to MNDF.
Five people were injured in the incident and transported to Male' for treatment. Police said the injured include two Indians and three other foreigners. A source familiar with the matter told Sun that one of them sustained severe burns.
The fire is believed to have started in the engine area before spreading rapidly, burning down most of the vessel. Videos circulating on social media showed the stern engulfed in flames.
ކ.ދޫނިދޫ ކައިރިން ދަތުރުކުރަމުންދިޔަ މަސް ދޯންޏެއްގައި އަލިފާން ރޯވެގެން އަޑިއަށްދިޔުމުން ބައެއް ތަކެތި އޮޔާ ދާތީ، ދަތުރުވެރިން ސަމާލުވުމަށް އިލްތިމާސްކުރަންhttps://t.co/IPPYIGqr3g pic.twitter.com/hJ8IeRhVMz
— Maldives National Defence Force (@MNDF_Official) February 14, 2026
MNDF said the drifting debris is expected to move southward from the sinking point, and advised vessels, especially those travelling at night, to exercise caution.
The fire was brought under control at 15:39, roughly an hour after it broke out. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.