Youth dies in spearfishing incident in L. Hithadhoo

A 21-year-old man has died following a spearfishing incident in the waters of L. Hithadhoo on Tuesday afternoon.

The victim has been identified as Ahmed Hamzan, a resident of L. Hithadhoo.

According to information provided by L. Hithadhoo Council Member Abdul Wahid Idrees, the incident occurred while Hamzan was attempting to retrieve a spear that had become lodged underwater. The spear is reported to have been stuck in a rock, and the line became entangled around his arm as he tried to remove it.

It is believed that the entanglement prevented him from surfacing.

The incident took place on the northern side of the island at a depth of about eight feet. Hamzan was accompanied by an 18-year-old, who attempted to assist but was unable to bring him to the surface. The individual then went to shore to seek help.

Council members and residents later reached the location and recovered Hamzan from the seabed.

The Maldives Police Service stated that it received a report of the incident at 3:42pm. Hamzan was taken to the island health centre, where he was confirmed dead.

Police are investigating the incident.