The Maafahi boat, which transports agricultural produce from the farming island of Maafahi in Haa Alif Atoll to Malé and carries general cargo from Malé back to Haa Alif Atoll and Hdh. Hanimaadhoo, ran aground on a reef last night.
After unloading agricultural goods in Malé, the vessel typically returns laden with general supplies. The boat carries a significant volume of goods for the residents and businesses of Hdh. Hanimaadhoo, and also serves as the primary supply vessel for “The Barefoot Eco Hotel,” a city hotel located on the island. Additionally, it transports large quantities of cargo to other islands in the region, including Ha. Muraidhoo, Vashafaru, and Utheemu.
Operating a weekly schedule between Malé and Maafahi, the boat arrives in Malé every Tuesday and departs for Maafahi on Thursdays. Accordingly, the vessel departed Malé yesterday morning around 11:00 AM.
Although direct contact with the boat was not established, two businessmen who use the vessel for cargo confirmed to “Thiladhun” that it ran aground on a reef in Shaviyani Atoll sometime during the middle of the night.
“The captain said they hit a reef in the Sh. Maroshi area around 2:00 AM. Since they were in a state of panic, I didn’t dare ask too many questions. The captain also mentioned they expect to refloat the boat sometime during the middle of tonight,” said one businessman, who regularly ships large quantities of frozen goods and other supplies on the vessel.
As the boat operates only once a week, businessmen from the islands it serves load it with substantial amounts of frozen goods, fruits, and vegetables. Since the vessel departs Malé fully loaded with supplies for these islands and Maafahi, it is believed to have been carrying a heavy load of cargo at the time it ran aground.
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Yashna
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