Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim has said that new rules being drafted would require safety guards on the propellers of vessels near whale shark points.
In an interview with Public Service Media (PSM) on Thursday night, Thoriq said there were no existing rules and regulations for whale shark points.
He said a regulation was formed to protect whale sharks and that work was underway now to ensure propellers have safety guards for the protection of divers.
"The rule will say launch cannot enter the area without a safety guard on the propeller. That will be implemented within the next three months," he stated.
Thoriq added that larger vessels will also be mandated to follow the rule while crew members on vessels that go to whale shark points must complete training.
Under this rule, the main attention will be given to the protected area of South Ari Marine Park area (SAMPa) in Alif Dhaal atoll.
"Sometimes there are 100 guests swimming behind a whale shark. There is no rule. Launches enter while guests are swimming. Large safaris also enter. There are no one to supervise them," he said.
He noted that two tourists have lost their lives in recent incidents.
The latest death was a 55-year-old man from Argentina who was hit by a launch while swimming outside the Radisson Blu Maldives Resort in Alif Dhaal atoll.
In November, a 15-year-old Singaporean girl visiting the Maldives on a study tour also died after being hit by a boat propeller near Alif Dhaal Dhigurah island.
