Male’ City Council Calls for Probe, Compensation Over Vessel-Bridge Collision
14 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 07:50The Male' City Council has called for an independent investigation to determine if institutional negligence led to two vessels under Customs' custody colliding with the Sinamale' Bridge pillars. In addition to seeking compensation for damages caused to the bridge and the surrounding reef, the Council urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive engineering audit to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the bridge.
The two vessels that ran aground on the bridge pillars were under the custody of Maldives Customs Service. The City Council has called for an assessment of the damages caused to both the bridge and the reef, and has demanded an investigation to identify the parties responsible for the negligence. | Male' city council
The Male' City Council has called for an investigation into the incident where a vessel ran aground on a pillar of the Sinamale Bridge on the night of September 10.
The City Council has called for an investigation into the negligence of state institutions regarding two foreign vessels that illegally entered Maldivian waters. The vessels subsequently broke loose from their anchors and ran aground on the eastern reef of Male' and the Sinamale' Bridge, causing significant damage. The Council is also demanding compensation for the damages incurred.
The Council noted that the two vessels involved in the incident—the oil barge MT KG 1 and the tugboat AL 1—had been under the custody of Maldives Customs Service since illegally entering Maldivian waters on April 26, 2026. The Council further stated that while both vessels had been held at the Male' harbor under Customs supervision since May 3, 2026, adequate security measures had not been implemented.
The City Council noted that as a result of the incident on September 10, 2026, the two vessels broke loose from their moorings and ran aground on the eastern reef of Male' and struck a pillar of the Sinamale' Bridge, causing significant damage. The Council further stated that relevant state authorities have yet to disclose accurate information regarding the circumstances of the incident to the public. Additionally, the Council expressed profound concern over social media reports suggesting that the incident occurred due to the failure of relevant institutions to fulfill their legal responsibilities.
The Male' City Council stated that under the Decentralization Act, it is legally mandated to protect and maintain the environment, reefs, and marine resources within the city's jurisdiction, as well as its municipal infrastructure. The Council further noted that it has appealed to the relevant authorities regarding three specific matters.
In this regard, the Council has called for a formal investigation into potential institutional negligence. They urged the authorities to conduct an independent public inquiry and release a comprehensive report to determine how these vessels entered the Maldives and to identify the specific circumstances that led to them breaking loose from their anchors while under Customs custody, subsequently grounding on Male' eastern reef and colliding with the bridge.
The Council has called for compensation regarding the environmental damage and the impact on the bridge, urging the Environmental Protection Agency to assess the reef damage and seek financial restitution for the structural damages sustained by the bridge.
Furthermore, highlighting the necessity of a structural assessment for the Sinamale' Bridge, the Council has requested an engineering audit to verify the extent of the damage caused to the bridge’s main pillars and platform following the collision of two vessels. This measure aims to guarantee the safety and structural integrity of the bridge for the public.
The council has called upon all relevant state authorities to take immediate action to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and to ensure the safety and security of the maritime territory of Male' City.
