In a tragic incident in Alif Dhaalu atoll today, a tourist who had been swimming in the sea has died after being hit by the propeller of a boat sailing past. 

A Police media official said that they received reports of the death of a male German tourist who had been swimming at the Fenfushi shark point at 10am today. 

As the incident is under investigation, no further details were disclosed. 

There have been previous similar incidents in Alif Alif and Alif Dhaalu atoll, with its burgeoning local tourism industry. Incidents were most common in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), which many tourists visit for whale shark spotting. 

To prevent such incidents, Tourism Ministry last year changed regulations, now requiring boats visiting the SAMPA to affix propeller guards.