Rescue divers search for a missing person. -- Photo: MNDF
Police have launched an investigation after an American tourist died while snorkeling on July 6.
Police said the 47-year-old tourist died while snorkeling near a resort in Alif Dhaal atoll. They did not provide details.
Sea accidents are frequent in the Maldives, with a high number of tourists dying as a result of such accidents.
According to the police, more than 20 tourists died in various sea incidents in 2024. Statistics show that 112 tourists died in the past five years.
MDP activist Mohamed Shamin was released from police custody after being detained for allegedly crossing barricades during a protest. The court ruled his actions did not constitute a major felony, noting a lack of evidence for property damage or injury. Shamin still faces charges for obstructing police and disobeying orders.
The Maldives Finance Ministry confirmed that the state budget will incur no costs for 5,000 housing units being built by Abu Dhabi’s Eagle Hills. The $500 million project uses a contractor financing model without government guarantees. While the state is not liable, it remains unclear if public recipients will pay for the units upon completion.
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef met UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss climate resilience and debt sustainability for the Maldives. The leaders emphasized the urgent need for global climate action and UN reform. They also addressed regional concerns, specifically focusing on the ongoing situation in Palestine.
A 16-member delegation of PNC lawmakers, led by Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, has departed for an exposure visit to Pakistan. The group will visit the Pakistani Parliament and meet with counterparts following an official invitation. This trip precedes a potential, though unconfirmed, upcoming visit by President Mohamed Muizzu.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced that its upcoming congress, starting October 1 at Male’ City Hall, will be open to the public. While nearly 1,000 official delegates are expected to attend, the party expressed disappointment over the government's refusal to provide a state venue or media coverage for the event.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed criticized the Maldivian government for awarding a Rasmalé development deal to a UAE firm without a transparent bidding process. He contrasted the secretive agreement with his administration's open tender for the national airport, emphasizing that state assets should only be leased through competitive systems.
The Maldives government signed a preliminary agreement with UAE-based Eagle Hills to lease land in Rasmalé for 99 years. The multi-billion dollar project aims to develop a world-class marina and luxury residences. While the Maldives will receive 5,000 housing units, specific financial details and a definitive contract are yet to be finalized.
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox
