A vessel travelling from Malé to Th. Veymandoo ran aground early this morning and began to sink shortly after.
The boat, named “Al Majra”, capsized after hitting a reef along M. Dhiggiri. Maldives Police Service received the report around 5:34 am and promptly responded to the emergency.
All three individuals aboard the vessel, one Maldivian and two Bangladeshi nationals, were safely rescued and transferred to Felidhoo Island on a police vessel.
The vessel reportedly sank due to being overloaded with goods. It was carrying PVC wood and other various construction materials. Authorities now warn vessels navigating the area to exercise caution, as much of the cargo has been swept into the surrounding waters by strong currents.
The incident occurred while a white weather alert remained in effect across northern to central Maldives, with the Maldives Meteorological Service attributing the turbulent conditions to an active southwest monsoon, locally referred to as the Hulhangu season.
