A fishing boat caught fire this afternoon at around 14:55 local time, according to the Maldives Police Service.
The vessel caught fire in waters near Kurumba Maldives, where rescue operations are currently underway. Photos and videos captured by witnesses show the fishing boat fully engulfed in flames. Some footage appears to show individuals moving inside the vessel as the fire spread.
According to the Maldives Defence Force (MNDF), the fire erupted near K. Dhonidhoo, where MNDF’s Hulhumalé Fire Station have been deployed and is actively working to extinguish the fire and secure the area.
The fire is reported to have first erupted near the vessel’s engine before rapidly spreading. At present, nearly the entire boat has been engulfed in flames.
According to MNDF, the vessel identified as Fresh From the Sea was carrying 15 people at the time the fire broke out.
Those injured are currently being transferred to Malé on a vessel from Kurumba Maldives.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the number of people injured or the severity of their injuries. The cause of the fire also remains unknown at this time.
