News

Two vessels run aground due to bad weather

A tug boat and an oil tanker ran aground on Wednesday due to bad weather.

According to Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), the tug boat, 'Marina-1301' ran aground on Feydhoo Finolhu reef at 9:52 am. Nine Indonesian crewmen were aboard the vessel at the time.

An oil tanker, 'Transport Fuel - 09' also ran aground on VilliMale' reef around 9:35 am. Two men - one Bangladeshi and one Sri Lankan - were aboard the vessel when the incident occurred.

The tug boat has been refloated with the assistance of another tug. MNDF said both vessels ran aground when their anchor lines snapped.

Other incidents have also occurred as a result of bad weather. A speedboat in Hulhumale' sank earlier this morning due to bad weather.

Maldives Meteorology has said heavy rain and thunder storms, and strong winds of 8 - 28 mph with gusts upto 40 mph, and rough seas are expected. Sea swells between 2 and 5 feet are also expected. Authorities have warned to practice caution when traveling in unfavorable weather conditions.