Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has said that the two boats that went adrift near Male' last night had been under the oversight of Maldives Customs Service. 

In a message shared with media, MNDF stated that they are undertaking efforts to rescue persons on board the boats at the time, and that they would be then handed over to Customs. 

"As the two boats were under the control of Customs, information regarding the boats will be given by them," MNDF said.

However, Customs has not yet stated anything regarding the boats. Reasons why the boats had been taken under Customs control are also unclear as of yet. 

No state authorities have disclosed so far why or when the boats had entered Maldivian waters.

The two boats had been anchored between Male' and Dhoonidhoo when bad weather caused the anchor rode to break, sending the two boats adrift at around 10pm last night. 

The boat initially drifted and ran aground the Male' reef near the Carnival area. The tides drifted the ship further asea, and it hit the Sinamale' Bridge as well.