MNDF begins salvaging sunken ship off Kaashidhoo coast

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has begun work to salvage a cargo vessel that had sunk off the coast of Kaashidhoo island, Kaafu atoll.

MNDF’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) received information of the report close to 6pm on Monday and the 70-feet cargo vessel had sunk after its engine broke down.

The Coast Guard cited the boat’s owner having said that the boat began sinking as a result of waves crashing in.

People working to hull the vessel into Kaashidhoo reef. Photo by MNDF.

With the help of two boats of Kaashidhoo, the cargo vessel had been hulled into the reef of the island and they managed to retrieve the cargo items to safety.

Divers from the MNDF Malé Area Coast Guard Squadron are currently working to salvage the vessel, said MNDF.

While four Maldivians and one expatriate were travelling on the boat at the time its engine broke down, all five were rescued and no injuries were reported.