Azim blames politics for MPL landing craft capsize incident

Malé City Mayor Adam Azim has said that the landing craft capsize incident in the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) port area occurred due to politically influenced appointments of personnel who lack competence for key roles.

The landing craft capsized on Sunday in the MPL port area with 14 passengers on board. Six people, including four Maldivians and two foreigners, were taken to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) for treatment. A Maldivian and a foreign national died while undergoing treatment.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Azim extended condolences to the families of the victims. He said that, based on his experience as a former senior executive in major companies in Maldives, incidents of this nature take place when political influence results in the appointment of individuals without the necessary qualifications and experience to senior posts in high-risk workplaces.

Azim said the head of safety at MPL should have adequate education and relevant experience, including capacity to conduct risk assessments, issue work permits, and manage daily briefing checklists. However, he said individuals without this knowledge are placed in technical roles for political purposes.

Azim said reforms are needed to reduce such incidents. He said employment and promotion should be based on merit, and that it is unacceptable for unqualified individuals to be appointed to positions where their lack of ability may result in loss of life and significant harm.

He called on authorities to fully investigate the incident and ensure that essential institutions such as MPL are managed in a way that prevents similar events.

MPL has initiated an internal investigation into the landing craft capsize.