The criminal court has sentenced two captains implicated in a maritime accident to pay blood money for the deaths of passengers involved.

The state pressed charges against Mohamed Gasim of Irumatheege, Alif Dhaal atoll, Dhigurah and Mohamed Abdulla of Nooreege, Haa Dhaal atoll, Hirimaradhoo in the 2008 accident between two sea vessels. Both men have been charged for the negligent use or driving of vehicles and vessels and failure to comply with the law.

As such, while Gasim pleaded guilty to the crime during Monday's hearing, Abdulla chose to plead not guilty but nevertheless, the prosecution presented multiple witnesses against him.

Looking at the details of the case, the accident occurred on the night of 19th January 2008, when a boat being driven at a high-speed by Abdulla and a dinghy captained by Gasim collided, killing two passengers aboard the dinghy.

Despite losing consciousness following the collision, Gasim admitted to being careless in driving the vessel. On the other hand, Abdulla fled the scene right after the accident without checking the status of people aboard the dinghy.

The presiding judge highlighted that the victims may have had a chance of survival had Abdulla stayed and attempted to provide help following the collision.

While the family of one victim denied restitution, the family of the second victim has accepted the blood money offer. Hence, the presiding judge, Ali Rasheed Hussain, found both men guilty of the crime and sentenced them to each pay MVR 66،666.50 (sixty-six thousand six hundred sixty-six point five-zero rufiyaa) within six months of the verdict hearing.