A supply dhoni travelling from Malé to a resort in Raa Atoll began taking on water while crossing the Kaashidhoo Channel today after the belt securing timber cargo on board snapped, causing the vessel to list.
Police were notified of the incident at around 9:57 a.m. Following the report, a launch from B. Eydhafushi Police Station, the nearest police station to the area, proceeded to the scene to assist the vessel.
Some of the cargo was released into the sea in an effort to stabilise and save the dhoni.
Four people were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident, including three Maldivian men and one foreign national.
As the vessel has taken on water, efforts to pump the water out are currently underway.
The Kaashidhoo Channel is one of the roughest stretches of sea in the Maldives. The Met Office had forecast rain over much of the country today, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected from Haa Alif Atoll down to Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Winds were also forecast to gust up to 40 miles per hour in squalls.
