Cargo boat sinks en route to Naifaru; crew rescued

A cargo vessel carrying goods from Male’ to Lhaviyani Atoll Naifaru has sunk today.

All five crew members of the vessel "Nasru", were rescued and transferred to a Coast Guard vessel.

According to tracking data from the FollowMe app, the ship, which operates from Haa Dhaalu Neykurendhoo, sank near Olhuvelifushi in Lhaviyani Atoll.

The vessel first travelled to Gaafaru from Male' and from there to Lhaviyani Atoll at 6:48 am today.

A council member from Neykurendhoo said the vessel, in service for over 10 years, regularly transports goods to multiple islands and was scheduled to reach Neykurendhoo as its last stop after two days.

The extent of the cargo loss remains unclear, although the vessel was reportedly fully loaded at the time of sinking, the council member said.

Authorities have urged seafarers to exercise caution amid severe weather conditions affecting the region.