No damage to bridge structure, minor surface damage reported: Muththalib
12 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 07:48The Minister stated that Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) is currently working to acquire two high-powered tugboats capable of intercepting drifting vessels to protect the Sinamale' Bridge from potential maritime hazards. Additionally, the Minister noted that the government will revise vessel mooring regulations and establish a robust emergency response framework for relevant authorities to follow during maritime incidents.
No structural damage to the bridge, but minor surface-level impacts sustained: Minister Muththalib. | Raajje MV
Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has stated that the structural integrity of the Sinamale' Bridge remains intact following an incident where a drifting tugboat collided with one of its pillars. However, the Minister noted that the bridge sustained minor surface-level damage.
In a post on X on Friday, Minister Muththalib stated that engineers from the China Second Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the firm that constructed the bridge, conducted inspections of the structure on Thursday night and Friday morning.
Minister Muththalib stated that under the bridge maintenance and repair agreement established with SHEC through Chinese government grant assistance, the company will carry out repairs in accordance with the prescribed standards.
Minister Muththalib stated that an out-of-control vessel in the Male' area poses a significant risk of damaging the Sinamale' Bridge, the bridge connecting Hulhule' and Hulhumale', Velana International Airport, and other critical infrastructure. He warned that such an incident would be a catastrophe with far-reaching consequences for the daily lives of everyone in the Greater Male' region.
Minister Muththalib stated that it is essential to implement precautionary measures before such incidents occur, adding that the government is already taking proactive steps to ensure better preparedness.
Minister Muththalib stated that Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) is currently working to acquire two high-powered tugboats capable of intercepting drifting vessels before they reach the bridge. The Minister further noted that these tugboats are expected to be delivered within the next two months.
Furthermore, Minister Muththalib stated that the government will review existing harbor berthing arrangements and, in coordination with the Coast Guard and other relevant authorities, establish robust protocols and communication procedures for emergency situations.
The incident occurred on Thursday night during heavy storms in Male', when a fuel barge and a tugboat under the custody of Maldives Customs drifted and collided with a pillar of the Sinamale' Bridge. Reports indicate that the two vessels broke loose and drifted away after their anchors were severed during a powerful squall that struck the Male' region.
