An attempted sexual assault case against a minors from a crew member of a boat has surfaced on Tuesday.

RaajjeMV understands that the incident took place on a boat near Gulhifalhu, early Tuesday and the family of the 10-year-old victim reported that the crew member first attempted to sexually assault her sister, 12, lying right next to her on the boat. However, his attempts failed when the child got up and left, after which he tried his hand with the 10-year-old.

Once the victim’s mother reported the attempted assault to the Maldives Police Service (MPS), officers were ready where the boat docked in the capital, to take the man into their custody.

The boat, “Aaraasthu” was travelling to capital city Malé and belongs to Thimarafushi island in Thaa atoll.

Sources told RaajjeMV that other crew members onboard the vessel were to have urged the family to “let the matter slide” and to not to “make a big deal” about it.

RaajjeMV was unable to attain a comment from authorities in connection to the matter, at the time of publishing.

According to the Maldives Constitution, cases of sexual assault against minors are strictly punishable and is classified as a major crime. Those implicated in such crimes may face jail terms between seven to 17 years.