Security Forces Remove Fishermen Sheltering Near Aarah
Security forces are facing heavy criticism from fishermen and the public after the crew of the fishing vessel "Ummeedhu" were reportedly ordered to leave the waters off Aarah, where they had sought shelter during severe weather in the Male' region last Sunday night. Despite the life-threatening sea conditions, the authorities allegedly forced the vessel to vacate the protected area, a move fishermen described as inhumane and a stark departure from the assistance provided by previous administrations in similar emergencies.
Reef fishing vessels moored at the local fish market area. | Raajje MV
Reports have emerged of security forces driving away a group of fishermen who had sought shelter near the island of Aarah during one of the most severe storms to hit the Male' area in recent history.
The incident occurred last Sunday night aboard a reef fishing vessel named "Ummeedhu," which was operating between Bodugaafalhu and Bandos. Fishermen on board at the time told RaajjeMV that they had sought shelter near Aarah to escape deteriorating weather conditions and heavy seas that had made further travel impossible.
A fisherman from the vessel "Ummeedhu" provides information to RaajjeMV. | Raajje MV
A veteran fisherman aboard the vessel, aged 70 with over five decades of experience at sea, recounted that he had never encountered a night as treacherous as that one in his entire life.
"The weather took a turn for the worse just as we reached Aarah. With the wind blowing from the north, waves were crashing heavily across the harbor entrance. We managed to hold our position, maneuvering against the elements for nearly an hour and a half, until a security forces launch approached us and stated we could not remain there. We asked them, 'Where else are we supposed to go?' We pointed out the torrential rain and the gale-force winds, explaining that we were being battered by the storm. We asked again where they expected us to go, explaining that we were only circling there because the location offered some shelter. We had nowhere else to go and could see nothing ahead of us. How could we possibly leave? The rain was so intense and the weather so severe that even the lights of Malé were no longer visible."A fisherman from the vessel "Ummeedhu."
Fishermen reported that despite their pleas to remain, citing the hazardous weather conditions where heavy rain had obscured even the lights of Malé, security forces refused to cooperate. They stated that there was nowhere else to seek shelter at that moment. The fishermen further noted that the security personnel remained on-site, refusing to leave the area until the fishing vessels had departed.
A fisherman from the vessel "Ummeedhu" provides information to RaajjeMV. | Raajje MV
Waves were crashing over the dome of the Kandimma. I never imagined we would make it back safely; the situation was that desperate. However, by the grace of Almighty Allah, we managed to reach the harbor. It was only once we docked that I felt the ground steady beneath my feet again. The security forces treated us with utter cruelty that night.A fisherman from the vessel "Ummeedhu"
Fishermen noted that during previous administrations, when faced with similar situations and seeking shelter near Aarah, security forces had provided assistance and food. However, they expressed deep concern over the degrading treatment they encountered this time.
Public criticism is mounting over the incident, with many asserting that it is unacceptable for security forces—tasked with providing aid during maritime emergencies—to act in such a manner during a life-threatening situation.
