MDP expresses concern over government negligence following vessel collisions with bridge pillars
12 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 08:12MDP has expressed grave concern over the collision of two foreign vessels with a pillar of the Sinamale' Bridge, labeling the incident a result of significant government negligence. In an official statement, the party asserted that leaving these unseaworthy vessels in the area for an extended period without relocating them to a secure location posed a serious threat to national security. Consequently, the MDP has called for relevant authorities to be held accountable and urged the immediate establishment of robust safety protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Two vessels under the custody of Maldives Customs Service have run aground on a pillar of the Sinamale' Bridge, with authorities currently assessing the extent of the damage to both the bridge and the reef. | raajje tv
The main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has expressed concern following an incident on Thursday night where two vessels ran aground against a pillar of the Sinamale' Bridge.
In its statement, the MDP noted that the incident occurred when two vessels—registered in the Republic of Haiti but with unverified ownership—dragged their anchors while under the custody of Maldives Customs and collided with the bridge.
In a statement released regarding the incident, the MDP asserted that the two vessels that collided with a bridge pillar were the same ones discovered anchored in the Male' area last April, having entered Maldivian waters without authorization.
The party highlighted media reports indicating that security forces only became aware of the vessels' presence in Maldivian waters a week after they had anchored. The MDP further stated that information received suggests one of the boats lacks an anchor, while only a single vessel in the group has a functioning engine.
In a statement, the MDP noted that a decision had been made a month and a half ago to relocate the two vessels to a safer area, as their deteriorating condition and proximity to Male' posed a significant risk. The party further alleged gross negligence on the part of the government, accusing authorities of failing to take action for over 45 days despite being fully aware that the vessels lacked any adequate safety measures.
Although the Minister of Housing, Land, and Infrastructure, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, stated that the bridge's structure sustained no damage in the incident, the MDP has raised questions regarding this claim. The party expressed concern over how the government could conclude that the entire bridge was undamaged following such a brief inspection. Furthermore, the statement highlighted that it is not improbable for an incident of this nature to result in significant structural damage.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused the current administration of negligence and incompetence in ensuring the safety and security of vessels operating within the Male' region.
The statement emphasized that holding two foreign vessels under Customs custody for a month and a half using only a single anchor is unacceptable. It further warned that if these safety concerns are not addressed, there is a serious risk of the vessels drifting into the Male' seawall or colliding with other craft.
Furthermore, the MDP characterizes the unauthorized entry and docking of vessels within Maldivian territory, without the knowledge of relevant authorities, as a significant threat to national security. Consequently, the party maintains that the relevant institutions and their leadership must be held responsible and accountable for this matter.
Given the Maldives' geographical nature as an archipelago with a vast maritime territory, the MDP has condemned the government's negligence regarding maritime security. The party called on the administration to establish and enforce robust protocols for handling foreign vessels within Maldivian waters.
