Infrastructure Minister Abdulla Muththalib has confirmed that the Sinamalé Bridge sustained no structural damage after two vessels collided with a bridge pillar on Thursday night following an anchor drag.
In a post on X, Muththalib said that engineers from the Second Harbour Engineering Company (SHEC)—the company that developed the bridge—conducted inspections.
"By the grace of Allah, the bridge structure has not sustained any damage; only minor surface-level impacts were observed. Under the bridge maintenance and repair agreement established with SHEC through Chinese government grant aid, the company will repair these areas in accordance with the required standards," Muththalib’s post read.
The Minister further noted that such drifting vessels pose a significant risk not only to the bridge but also to Velana International Airport and other critical infrastructure, potentially leading to a major disaster for the entire Male' region.
To mitigate such risks, he announced that Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) is in the process of acquiring two tugboats capable of intercepting drifting vessels before they reach the bridge.
"These tugs are expected to be delivered within the next two months. Furthermore, the government will review vessel mooring protocols and, in collaboration with the Coast Guard and other relevant authorities, establish clear communication procedures and emergency response protocols," Muththalib said.
The two vessels involved in the incident were previously identified in April for entering Maldivian waters and anchoring near Malé without authorization. Security forces only became aware of their presence a week after they had already anchored in the area.
Reliable sources informed Adhadhu that the two vessels, identified as MT KG 1 and AL 1, entered Maldivian territory on April 26.
The vessels entered the country without prior notification to any relevant authorities. Of the two vessels currently anchored in the Malé area, the AL 1 does not possess an IMO (International Maritime Organization) number.
