Cargo Vessel Carrying 17 People Rescued from Sinking Near Fuvahmulah

Police and the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) responded swiftly to a distress call from a cargo vessel named Havaas, which began sinking near Fuvahmulah on Thursday. The vessel, en route from Male' to Fuvahmulah, was carrying 17 people, including six crew members, nine passengers, a captain, and a cashier, along with a large quantity of goods. According to Captain Ibrahim Shah, the incident occurred when the fibre at the top corner of the boat cracked, allowing water to flood the hull. Rough sea conditions exacerbated the situation as the vessel was approximately 10 miles from Fuvahmulah when the flooding started. Despite being equipped with an auto pump and three additional pumps, the crew was unable to contain the water. Police arrived with a fourth pump when the vessel was two miles from Fuvahmulah, which helped reduce the flooding. The MNDF also responded with a boat, trailing the vessel until it reached the harbour safely. No injuries were reported, although a few sacks of staple food were damaged in the incident. The cargo, valued at MVR 5 million, was successfully unloaded upon reaching Fuvahmulah.