Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation revealed on Sunday that discussions are underway with the Coast Guard of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldives Police Service to mandate life jackets when travelling by sea.
On August 29, five people including a minor lost their lives in a tragic speedboat-capsizing incident that took place near Nolhivaranfaru, Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
According to MNDF, the ten passengers travelling from the vessel were not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
Since then, the public has been calling to mandate and monitor life jackets when travelling by sea.
The current regulations only make it compulsory for vessels to have life jackets aboard. However, wearing it during travel is not mandated.
State Minister for Transport Ministry Ahmed Adil said that they have begun discussions and will make a decision after further talks. He added that it is difficult to specify a date just yet.
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