NIC launches investigation into Sinamale' Bridge pillar collision incident
22 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 09:10The National Integrity Commission (NIC) has launched a self-initiated investigation into whether Maldives Customs Service violated laws or established procedures following an incident where two vessels under its custody drifted and collided with a bridge pier. As both vessels have since sunk, political figures and the general public are expressing significant concern, alleging government negligence in the matter.
Two vessels under the custody of Maldives Customs Service have run aground on the pillars of the Sinamale' Bridge. | Male' city council
The National Integrity Commission (NIC) has launched an investigation into the incident where two vessels under the custody of Maldives Customs Service collided with a pillar of the Sinamale' Bridge.
In a press release issued Monday, the National Integrity Commission (NIC) announced its decision to investigate whether Maldives Customs Service violated any laws, regulations, or established procedures following reports that two vessels under its supervision drifted and collided with a pillar of the Sinamale' Bridge.
The statement further noted that the decision was made on the commission's own initiative, pursuant to Section 37 of the National Integrity Commission Act.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has reported that two vessels that ran aground on the Sinamale' Bridge on the night of September 11 have sunk. The aging vessels began taking on water and eventually went down approximately 30 nautical miles east of Kaafu Atoll, outside Maldivian territorial waters.
Furthermore, experts are expressing skepticism regarding the sinking of the two vessels, asserting that such an incident should not have occurred. While the Male' City Council has called for a formal investigation into the matter, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has also voiced concern, alleging significant government negligence.
