Liveaboard vessel damaged in fire near Hulhumalé

A fire broke out on a liveaboard vessel anchored near Hulhumalé on Saturday evening, according to authorities.

The vessel, identified as Emperor Explorer, is owned by Ibrahim Falah, who also serves as Majority Leader of the People's Majlis and parliamentary group leader of the People's National Congress (PNC).

The incident was reported at approximately 5:00pm.

At the time of the fire, the vessel was anchored in waters between Kurumba Maldives and Hulhumalé.

According to reports from the scene, the vessel sustained extensive damage from the fire.

Smoke from the vessel drifted toward residential areas of Hulhumalé due to westerly winds.

Preliminary information indicates that the fire may have started in the vessel’s laundry area.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that teams from the Hulhumalé Fire Station were deployed to the scene and were working to contain and extinguish the fire.

Authorities have not yet released information regarding injuries or the cause of the incident.