A 100-ft cargo ship has sunk after running aground a patch reef in Vaavu atoll.

According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), this incident was reported to them at around 06:10 this a.m.

MNDF added that the three locals and two expatriates on board at the time had been safely transferred to a sea ambulance.

'Maavaa Star' had sunk with the cargo on board after running aground a patch reef 4.7 nautical miles westward of Vaavu atoll Fulidhoo island.

Officers of the MNDF are currently active in the area.