2 oil vessels in Vilufushi harbour burns down

Two oil tankers anchored at Th. Vilufushi caught fire and burned beyond use Monday evening.

President of Vilufushi council Hassan Jabeen told Atoll Times that the fire broke out in the oil carrying vessels during sunset prayers. He added that both the burnt vessels belonged to Nirolhu Investment, which was in the business of supplying oil to the island and atoll.

"They are made of wood. These are the two boats that the company is using to supply fuel to various locations in the atoll," Jabeen said.

Jabeen said one of the burnt oil vessels had some fuel. However, the other vessel did not have any fuel, he said. As a result, the fire was brought under control around 8.30 pm after nearly three hours, Jabeen said.

"It took time to douse the fire that broke out in the oil-laden vessel," he said.

Jabeen also pointed out that the youths of the island had come out and doused the fire. Fire and rescue had also arrived later on.

The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.