A speedboat which departed from Nolhivaranfaru in Haa, Dhaalu, on Thursday, capsized off the coast of Hanimaadhoo, killing five.
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)'s Spokesperson Major Ibrahim Azim revealed that the surviving five passengers were transported to Hanimaadhoo and is undergoing treatment at the health centre.
Nolhivaranfaru Council Vice President Ahmed Waheed noted the boat was reported missing at 1147 hrs, when it failed to arrive on schedule. However, the boat was discovered to have capsized when a survivor swam to Hanimaadhoo and reported the matter.
Out of the 10 passengers, the victims include a family of four and an additional woman.
According to local media Mihaaru, the family of four were identified as an elderly couple, their daughter and their grandchild. The man was the longest-serving teacher on Nolhinvaranfaru.
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
— Aishath Ali (@aisthly) August 29, 2019
Deeply saddened about the untimely death of Nolhivaranfaru School 'Super Teacher' Hussain Abdulla and some family members in a tragic accident. A teacher lives in the hearts of those who studied under him or her.
MNDF noted that passengers travelled without life vests.
A yellow alert was issued by the Maldives Meteorological Services (MET) when the incident occured.
The national airline 'Maldivian' has cancelled all flights to Hanimaadhoo International Airport due to unfavourable weather.
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