Authorities have asked vessels travelling in the vicinity of Kaashidhoo Channel to stay alert as timber from a boat which was in distress earlier today has gone adrift in the area. 

The Sealine 3 supply boat had been carrying timber from Male' to a resort in Raa Atoll when the belt securing its load of timber snapped, causing the boat to bank sharply and start taking on water. 

The incident was reported to police at 10am today and officers from the nearest police station, in B. Eydhafushi, responded and helped with bailing out water and rescuing the vessel. The boat has since been taken to Eydhafushi, along with its crew of three Maldivian men and one expatriate. 

MNDF said that they had received reports that the boat had lurched sideways four nautical miles southeast of B. Eydhafushi, and that some timber had fallen overboard. 

MNDF said that the timber is expected to drift eastward, and advised vessels travelling in the area to remain alert, especially after dark.