Captain of "Kolama" boat dies after electrocution in engine room

The captain of the Kolama boat, 66-year-old Adam Saeed of Dhonveli, Kolamafushi, tragically passed away today after reportedly being electrocuted while inspecting the ship’s engine room.

The incident occurred as the boat, which had departed from the Laamu Atoll around 10:00 p.m., was en-route to Huvadhu Atoll. According to reports, the boat was declared missing at 1:25 p.m., and MNDF launched a search operation when communication was lost after 4:00 p.m.

According to Ibrahim Waheed, President of the Kolamafushi Council, Captain Saeed had gone down to the engine room to investigate an issue with the ship’s auto pump.

"There is a suspicion that the area was electrified. He got caught in the shaft while checking the pump and was pulled in. He died from the injuries he sustained," Waheed told Mihaaru News.

A source familiar with the incident also confirmed that Saeed had visible external injuries, which suggest he was electrocuted and possibly struck or dragged by machinery inside the engine room.

Saeed was found unresponsive and was immediately transported to GA. Villingili Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Waheed noted that the delay in reporting the incident was due to the vessel being out of network range, making it difficult to contact the island or authorities. The Follow-Me app, used to track vessels, also did not have signal coverage in that area.

"The ship was very close to the province when communication was re-established. Once it came within range, we received information through the Follow-Me app," Waheed said.

After the accident, the remaining crew members, including foreign workers, were able to escape from the engine room and navigate the vessel toward safety.

Waheed described Saeed as a lifelong seafarer. "He’s been boating for as long as I can remember," he said, adding that Saeed was both the owner and captain of the Kolama.