Vessel fire due to electric short; MVR 4 million loss
The estimated losses from the fire range between MVR 4.5 million and MVR 5 million.
A cargo vessel travelling from Th. Hirilandhoo caught fire on Wednesday night, leaving one person missing. The vessel, known as the Holhudhoo Boat, was carrying 18 people, including the captain, at the time of the incident.
The vessel is owned by Abdul Wahid of N. Holhudhoo and had been leased to an individual from L. Maavah for the past three years to operate between Laamu and Thaa atolls and Malé.
According to the owner, the fire originated from a standby generator located on the upper deck of the vessel. He stated that the fire was likely caused by a power shortage. The ship’s main generator is usually engaged once it reaches open waters.
"It was caused by a power shortage. Suddenly, the fire spread. It is believed to have started from the standby generator," Wahid said.
The missing individual has been identified as 25-year-old Ali Mushfiq Mohamed from L. Maavah. The search for him remains ongoing.
This was the second voyage of the vessel following recent repairs. Wahid noted that while there was not a significant amount of cargo on board, it included items such as dried meat, pepper, and several motorcycles. The exact number of motorcycles has not been confirmed.
The ship’s cashier was reportedly in an unstable mental condition following the incident.
The vessel was fully destroyed in the fire and eventually sank. At the time of the incident, the vessel was insured. Prior to the latest repairs, it had been insured for MVR 4 million. The estimated losses from the fire range between MVR 4.5 million and MVR 5 million.
