Authorities decided a month and a half ago to relocate two vessels to a safer anchorage due to the high risk they posed while anchored near Male’, before they dragged anchor and collided with a pillar of the Sinamale’ Bridge on Thursday night.
Reliable sources confirmed to Adhadhu that the two vessels entered Maldivian waters without authorization on April 26. However, security forces only became aware of their presence a week later, after they had already anchored near the capital.
A source familiar with the matter told Adhadhu that the decision to move the vessels to a secure harbor was made 45 days ago to prevent an incident exactly like the one that occurred on Thursday night.
The source further noted that the operation was to be conducted under the supervision of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), with police assistance to be sought if necessary.
It has also been learned that the vessels lacked functioning navigation lights, which are mandatory for maritime safety. This issue had prompted numerous complaints from other seafarers operating in the area.
Furthermore, reports indicate that one of the vessels was missing an anchor entirely, and only one of the two ships had a functional engine.
Sources said that the vessels were slated to be moved to Thilafushi for secure mooring. The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) had reportedly granted the necessary permissions for this relocation in July.
The two vessels, which were under the custody of Maldives Customs Service when they drifted into the Sinamale’ Bridge, have been identified as the MT KG 1 and AL 1. Both ships are registered in the Republic of Haiti; however, sources stated that their actual ownership remains unverified.
