Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) revealed that a cargo vessel transporting 1,500 sacks of onions sank on Monday.
According to MNDF, the crew from the vessel 'M.S.V Ark of God', which departed from the Port of Tuticorin, India, was rescued by 'VB Progress' and is en route to India, accompanied by an Indian Coastguard vessel.
The vessel 'VB Progress' is operated by Maldivian shipping agent 'Midsea Shipping Pvt Ltd' and saved nine lives aboard the sunken vessel.
MNDF stated that more information will become available after the boat and the rescued crew made landfall in India.
The cargo, which was imported by State Trading Organization (STO), was insured.