The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has provided assistance to people onboard a speed boat sinking near Kaafu Thilafushi island.

MNDF said the Souvenir 34 launch was sinking due to damage. But they did not say how the vessel was damaged.

MNDF also said they provided assistance to rescue the passengers and the crew members, but did not specify the number of people onboard.

Earlier today, police rescued 48 people stranded at sea after they jumped off from a sinking launch while travelling from Alif Dhaal Dhigurah island to Male'.

The country has been experiencing bad weather since Thursday last night with floods reported in Male' and other islands.