The Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) has stated that they are facing delays in conducting an inspection of the damage caused to the reef by the two large vessels that recently went adrift due to the persisting adverse weather conditions. 

ERA Chief Executive Hassaan Mohamed stated that the survey of the area where the two vessels ran aground the reef on Thursday has not been commenced yet due to unfavourable weather conditions. He stated that that the authority had been advised by MNDF's Coast Guard as well to pause inspection efforts until the weather improves. 

The two vessels, which had entered Maldivian waters without authorization, had been moored between Dhoonidhoo and Male' when strong winds and rough weather on Thursday night caused damage to the anchor rode, sending the two vessels adrift. 

One of the boats ran aground the Male' reef near the Carnival area before being pulled by the tides and colliding with the Sinamale' Bridge. 

The Infrastructure Minister has cited inspections by the CHEC and confirmed there was no structural damage to the bridge, and only surface scratches were caused. 

The ERA stated that the extent of damage to the reef will be assessed once the weather conditions permit. 

After hitting the bridge, the boats moved under the bridge and drifted towards the southern side of Male'. On Friday night, MNDF revealed that the boats had sunk 30 nautical miles outside of Maldivian territory. 

An MNDF Media Official said that the boats were heavily aged and dilapidated, causing them to take on water and sink. All crew members aboard the vessels had been rescued, they confirmed. 

It has been reported that the crew members of the vessels had been appealing for assistance on social media for several days now, stating they were in peril and at risk of running out of clean water, food and fuel.