Boat en route to ADh. Mahibadhoo sinks

A boat en route to Mahibadhoo island of Alif Dhaal atoll, from capital Malé City, sank on Wednesday night.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) revealed that ‘Ricardo’ was headed to Mahibadhoo island from the capital city, with goods onboard the vessel.

Upon receiving reports of the boat sinking, the Alif Dhaal police speedboat headed to the region immediately and rescued eight people onboard the sinking boat.

The police institution revealed that all passengers traveling onboard ‘Ricardo’ were safe.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) revealed that they have received reports that all passengers onboard the sinking vessel, were transported safely to Mahibadhoo, at around 08:50pm on Wednesday.

According to the authorities, the boat is now completely submerged in the water.

At a time several sea accidents are being reported due to the adverse weather conditions across the Maldives, MPS has issued a weather warning, in the face of prevailing heavy showers, thunderstorms and strong winds.

MPS has strongly advised the public to take heed and comply to weather warnings by the Maldives Meteorological Service and to exercise caution when traveling and operating vehicles on land as well.

MMS has also predicted swell wave surges across northern and central atolls, with which travelers are advised to take all necessary precautions.

Of the two seasons experienced across the archipelago nation, the northeast monsoon is experienced between January and March, with southwest monsoon falling between May and November. Maldives experiences heavy rain showers and adverse weather conditions during the southwest monsoon as well as the northeast monsoon. Extensive periods of strong winds and adverse weather conditions are usually experienced mostly during the southwest monsoon.

Adverse weather conditions experienced across some regions have been causing trees to uproot, roofs to tear off homes and trees as well as debris falling onto houses over the years. The squally weather during monsoon also causes damage to crop in some islands and presents challenges for seafarers and fishermen as well. Some islands have been experiencing swell waves surges during high tides as well. Regions across the entire island nation also experience ankle-deep flooding due to heavy rainfall.

The police institution has advised the public to ensure any objects that can blow away due to strong winds, are removed from rooftops and balconies.