"Coast guard vessels were in bad condition at the time of taking office": Minister Mariya

Minister of Defence, Mariya Didi has stated that many vessels of the Coast Guard were in bad condition at the time the new administration took office and arrangments for repair have been scheduled for 2020.

She went onto declare that with the onset of the new year, the ministry has arranged for the restoration of the Coast Guard's vessels.

The minister made the statement in a video message released on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)'s Coast Guard.

According to the minister, the Coast Guards capability is observed in every incident that occurs at sea, with immediate assistance provided in all situations ranging from search and rescue to maritime law enforcement.

The minister went onto reveal that the vessels of the Coast Guard were in dire conditions at the time she took office. Hence, arrangements to repair the vessels have been scheduled for 2020, in addition to expanding the scope of the Coast Guards services, said the minister.

She concluded by appealing for the public to stay safe and take precaution whilst travelling by sea, especially emphasizing on not bringing children on board if sea is rough.