Cargo vessel catches fire; 1 crew member missing
Seventeen crew members have been rescued, while one, identified as Ali Mushfiq Mohammd, 25, from L. Maavah, remains missing.
A cargo vessel, Holhudhoo Boat, caught fire while at sea Wednesday evening, with one crew member reported missing, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) confirmed.
The Kadhdhoo Fire Station has been deployed to the scene to control the fire. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
According to the MNDF, the vessel had 18 people on board, including the captain. Seventeen crew members have been rescued, while one, identified as Ali Mushfiq Mohammd, 25, from L. Maavah, remains missing.
A video shared by the MNDF shows the vessel engulfed in flames. Authorities have indicated that the fire is severe, making it unlikely that the cargo or the vessel can be salvaged.
Th. Kandoodhoo Council President Ahmed Reehan told Atoll Times that the vessel caught fire after leaving Th. Hirilandhoo. It had previously docked at Th. Kandoodhoo before making its way to Hirilandhoo.
Further details on the cargo on board have not yet been confirmed. Authorities are continuing search and firefighting efforts.
