The National Integrity Commission (NIC) is investigating whether Maldives Customs Service violated the law in connection with two ships that broke anchor during a storm and collided with the Sinamale' Bridge.

The incident occurred on September 10. The bridge did not sustain structural damage, although scratches were reported.

The NIC said in a statement that it had launched an investigation on its own initiative into whether the ships had collided with a pillar of the Sinamale' Bridge and whether any laws or regulations had been violated by Customs.

One of the vessels, AL 1, has not been officially issued an IMO number, while the other, MT KG 1, is registered in Togo. Both vessels entered Maldivian waters on April 26.

The ships were reportedly bound for Kandla, India, but remained anchored near the Maldives for about a week without being identified by the authorities. They were identified on May 3.

The vessels were anchored between Dhoonidhoo and Male' when their anchors broke during strong currents, causing them to drift. One of the ships initially ran aground outside the Carnival area before being carried towards the Sinamale' Bridge, where it collided with the structure.

Workers from China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), which maintains the bridge, inspected the site following the incident.

Housing Minister Abdulla Muththalib said the bridge had not sustained any structural damage, although scratches were visible on the structure.