Two vessels under custody of Customs run aground on Sinamale' Bridge pillars; assessment of damage to bridge and reef underway
12 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 07:46A Chinese firm has begun assessing damages to a bridge pillar after two vessels under Customs custody broke their moorings and collided with the structure during heavy storms in Male'. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluates the environmental impact following the grounding of the vessels, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has successfully rescued all individuals who were on board.
Two vessels under the custody of Maldives Customs Service have run aground on the Sinamale' Bridge pillars; authorities begin assessing damage to the bridge and the reef. | raajje tv
Authorities have launched an assessment to determine the extent of damage to the Sinamalé Bridge after a fuel barge and a tugboat, both under the custody of Maldives Customs Service, drifted and struck a bridge pier during severe weather in Male' on Thursday night.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has informed RaajjeMV that two vessels under the custody of Maldives Customs Service collided with the bridge. Reports indicate that the two vessels drifted away after their anchors broke during a severe squall that hit the Male' area.
Videos showing the vessel drifting and colliding with a bridge pillar at the time of the incident have circulated widely on social media.
Immediately following the incident, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) rescued the individuals on board both vessels. The military subsequently proceeded with the process of handing them over to the Maldives Customs Service.
According to some media reports, these two vessels were seized in April after illegally entering Maldivian territorial waters. However, Maldives Customs Service has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter.
China's CCCC, the company responsible for the bridge's maintenance, is currently conducting a technical assessment to determine if the incident caused any structural damage.
Before colliding with the bridge, the vessel first ran aground on the reef located outside the Male' Carnival area. Consequently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently conducting an assessment to determine the extent of the damage caused to the reef.
Police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. As the Maldives is currently experiencing a period of severe weather across various regions, relevant authorities have urged the public to exercise caution during sea travel and while mooring vessels.
