NIC opens investigation into Sinamalé Bridge vessel collision

The National Integrity Commission (NIC) has launched an investigation into an incident in which two foreign vessels under the supervision of Maldives Customs Service drifted into the Sinamalé Bridge earlier this month.

The incident occurred on the night of 10 September when an oil barge and a tugboat, which were being held under Customs supervision after allegedly entering Maldivian waters illegally, drifted and struck the bridge.

The collision did not cause major damage to the bridge.

The two vessels later drifted out of Malé Atoll, prompting the rescue of nine crew members who had been on board. The vessels subsequently sank about 30 nautical miles east of Malé Atoll, outside Maldivian territorial waters.

The NIC said on Monday that its investigation would examine whether Customs had acted in breach of laws, regulations or procedures while the vessels were under its supervision.

The commission said it decided to investigate the case on its own initiative.

The two vessels had been detained in April after allegedly entering Maldivian waters without permission. Media reports at the time said relevant authorities became aware of the vessels about a week after they entered the country’s waters.

The vessels later remained under Customs supervision until the September incident.

Following the collision, the government and the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives said inspections had confirmed that the main structure of the Sinamalé Bridge had not sustained damage.

The bridge, which connects Malé, Hulhulé and Hulhumalé, was constructed with assistance from the Chinese government.