Two vessels grounded on Sinamalé Bridge unlikely to sink: Nazim
15 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 07:51Experienced Captain Mohamed Nazim has raised concerns regarding the sinking of two vessels that recently collided with the Sinamalé Bridge, stating that it is highly improbable for such robust chemical tankers to sink on their own. He noted that these vessels are specifically designed to prevent hull breaches and water ingress into their tanks, suggesting that the simultaneous sinking of both ships presents suspicious circumstances that warrant further investigation.
Mohamed Nazim speaking during RaajjeTV's "Fala Surukhee" program. | Raajje MV
Experienced Captain Mohamed Nazim has stated that he does not believe the two vessels that ran aground on the Sinamalé Bridge are at risk of sinking.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Nazim stated that the two vessels that collided with the bridge were specifically designed for transporting chemicals. He noted that such vessels are typically constructed from stainless steel or reinforced with specialized anti-corrosive coatings.
Nazim stated that it is highly unlikely for the vessel's tanks to have sustained any damage. He further emphasized that it is impossible for seawater to have leaked into the tanks.
"I have seen the videos circulating on social media, and they do not show the vessel listing to either side. This indicates that water had not begun entering any specific tank on one side at that time; the ship remained perfectly level. Common sense suggests there is no reason for a hull breach to have occurred, even if it had run aground on a reef in the Maldives."Mohamed Nazim
Nazim questioned how both vessels could have sunk simultaneously, noting that such boats typically feature six to eight separate watertight tanks, ensuring that even if one section is breached, the remaining tanks stay intact. He further asserted that even if a valve were left open and water entered the engine room, it should not have caused the vessels to sink.
Furthermore, Nazim described the simultaneous sinking of both vessels as a highly suspicious and extraordinary occurrence. He noted that the only plausible way for both boats to have gone down would be if they were intentionally scuttled. However, he emphasized that such an act would be a grave mistake and expressed his disbelief that anyone would resort to such measures.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has confirmed that the two vessels that ran aground on the Sinamalé Bridge on the night of September 11 have sunk. According to the MNDF, the aging vessels began taking on water and eventually went down approximately 30 nautical miles outside Maldivian waters, east of Kaafu Atoll.
