Maldivian youth dies after MPL landing craft capsizes

A young Maldivian man injured in a landing craft accident near the MPL port area has passed away while receiving treatment at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

The victim, Ali Aflah Abdulla, 25, of Dhilbahaaruge, Gaafu Alifu Gemanafushi, was an employee of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL). He sustained severe crush injuries to the lower part of his body when the landing craft capsized around 4 pm yesterday.

According to a family member who also worked aboard the landing craft, Aflah underwent surgery but later suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away late last night.

Sources familiar with the incident said the landing craft overturned after two large highmarks on board lost balance. Aflah was reportedly trapped between one of the highmarks and the vessel.

Another MPL employee, Masood Hussain, 32, a Bangladeshi national, was also killed in the accident. Police said 14 people were on board at the time; all were rescued, but six sustained injuries and remain under treatment at IGMH.

The tragedy follows a similar accident last month, when a landing craft en route to Reethi Rah resort capsized on September 15, killing three people, including one Maldivian.

Aflah, described by Gemanafushi residents as a kind and hardworking youth, had previously worked as a driver for the island council. Known for his photography at local events, he had recently married a woman from Faafu Dharanboodhoo.

His relatives said Aflah had been grieving the deaths of both his parents, with his mother passing away just six months ago.

“He was a good young man who got along with everyone. His death is a huge loss to our island,” said a resident of Gemanafushi.