Kaafu atoll Kaashidhoo Island Council President Amir maintains that there is no reason besides arson for these boats to have caught fire.
Kaafu atoll Kaashidhoo Island Council has stated today that two supply boats, as well as a small rowboat, were entirely destroyed in last night's fire.
No persons were injured in this incident.
Kaashidhoo Council President Mohamed Amir told Mihaaru News that the fire, which broke out at around 01:00 hrs last night, kept burning uncontrolled for nearly two hours.
He said that the fire died out after the boats in the vicinity were entirely destroyed and burnt out beyond use. The three vessels destroyed in this incident belong to three different individuals.
The reclaimed land area in Kaashidhoo has several boats laid ashore for various reasons, including repair and maintenance.
Besides the three boats destroyed in last night's fire, there was a dinghy and other boats in the vicinity. Although bystanders were able to move the dinghy away after the fire broke out, the intense heat of the fire prevented them from going back to save the row boat, Amir explained.
Amir maintains that there is no reason besides arson for these boats to have caught fire.
"These boats have no gas cylinders nor engines, for an accidental fire to have been caused by such a thing. So, as it appears, we are leaning towards believing that this was done by someone," Amir said.
Both the larger vessels destroyed in the fire have been berthed ashore for an extended period of time. They have remained unused for over three years due to damage to their hulls.
Despite the fire having been controlled, smoke is still rising from the site.