Feeali ice plant fire hits fisheries sector losses
The damage is estimated at more than MVR 20 million.
A fire at an ice plant on Feeali island on Thursday is expected to affect the island’s economy and fishing sector, Faafu Atoll Feeali Council President Moosa Ahmed said Sunday.
The incident involved five vessels that caught fire near a petrol station, the ice plant and the harbour area. A foreign national sustained burns and is receiving treatment at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).
Moosa Ahmed said the estimated damage from the fire exceeds MVR 20 million. He added that fishermen and fish traders in the area have incurred losses.
“The damage is estimated at more than MVR 20 million. If the damage to the harbour crossing is included, the figure will increase,” he said.
He noted that the island’s ice plant served fishing activities in the surrounding area, and its loss would disrupt operations for fishermen on Feeali and nearby islands.
A team from the Ministry of Fisheries and Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) visited Feeali on Friday and met council officials to assess the damage to fishing vessels.
“We requested an immediate solution. They said they would respond soon,” Moosa Ahmed said.
According to initial reports, the fire began during refueling at the petrol station. Police are conducting an investigation.
