MOSHA expresses concern over SIWEC vessel capsizing investigation

The investigation of the capsizing of the landing craft belonging to Sifainge Welfare Company Pvt Ltd (SIWEC) and how its being handled has generated concern from Maldives Occupational Safety and Health Organization (MOSHA).

MOSHA, a private association that advocates for safety protocol and procedures for workers in the workplace has released a statement calling for the private investigation of the 25th July SIWEC landing craft capsizing incident, along with a call to disclose information of the foreign expatriate and a call for accountability for the party responsible.

MOSHA is expressing their concern due to the fact that the authorities in charge of this incident, whereby a foreign expatriate is still missing and a Maldivian military officer died, has shown reluctance in disclosing information regarding the tragedy.

MOSHA has mentioned that the landing vehicle had a total of six occupants, three military officers and three foreign expatriates. From the information that has been made public by the MNDF, who are attempting to locate the missing expatriate, MOSHA has stated that the expatriate that is currently missing was in the engine room at the time of the accident.

The safety association went on to say that basic details of the missing expatriate such as their identity, nationality and place of work still has not been disclosed by the authorities.

They went on to say that the decision to not disclose these details to the public is irresponsible and a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

According to MOSHA, while the Occupational Safety and Health Act may exempt uniformed ministries, any workplace incident that involves civilians must be clearly investigated and all information disclosed. Hence, the safety association is calling for the private investigation of the incident, along with a call to disclose information of the foreign expatriate and a call for accountability for the party responsible.

"Therefore, the association urges the relevant authorities to take immediate action based on the extent of the concern," a line from MOSHA's statement.

MOSHA said that the rights of the common man should never be violated especially in times of such tragedy, and that avoiding accountability is not an option.

The safety association has called out to the President's Office, People's Majlis, Labor Relations Authority, Human Rights Commission and all related associations to speak up about conducting a private investigation into the matter and to have the responsible party be held accountable.

Last week, MNDF stated that the landing craft departed from Male' en route to Lhaviyani Atoll and had capsized at Kaashidhoo channel.

A foreign expatriate who was working aboard the vessel is still currently missing, along with a military soldier dying in the accident. The soldier was identified as Warrant Officer 2 Ali Hameed. Hameed hailed from Th. Hirilandhoo and had served the military for 27 years.