A cargo vessel travelling from Hithadhoo, Addu City to Male’ ran aground on the Rasmalé reef late last night.
According to the police, four individuals were on board at the time of the incident—a Maldivian captain and three expatriates. No injuries were reported.
Police stated that both the Maldives Police Service and the MNDF Coast Guard responded to the scene immediately.
The four crew members were rescued by a vessel from Rasmalé before being transferred to another boat in the area by a Coast Guard Harbour Patrol launch.
Efforts are currently underway to refloat the grounded vessel. Authorities are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Videos circulating on social media show the vessel listing heavily after hitting the reef. Details regarding the extent of the damage to the boat have not yet been disclosed.
Rasmalé is an ongoing land reclamation project intended to provide housing for the Maldivian people. The government is now moving to lease a section of the area to Eagle Hills, a company based in the UAE.
While many have voiced their opposition to this move, the government is working to amend laws to facilitate the transfer of the land to Eagle Hills, despite public outcry.
