Police respond to sinking cargo vessel near Villimale' with three on board

Police are responding to reports of a cargo vessel sinking with three people on board near Villimale’-Vaadhoo channel.

Police said in a post on X that they received a call at 16:59 that a cargo vessel called Fehila was sinking off the channel between Villimale’ and Vaadhoo island, which can be rough in adverse weather.  

The Marine Police are responding to the report, the agency said. The vessel is being cuffed and brought into Gulhifalhu, police said.  

ވިލިގިއްޔާއި ވާދޫއާ ދިމާ ބޭރަށް "ފެހިލާ" ނަމަކަށްކިޔާ މުދާ އުފުލާ ދޯންޏެއް އަޑިއަށްދާކަމުގެ މައުލޫމާތު ނޮވެމްބަރު 30 ވަނަ ދުވަހު 16:59 އެހާކަންހާއިރު ފުލުހުންނަށް ލިބުމާ ގުޅިގެން މެރިން ޕޮލިހުން ދަނީ ހަރަކާތްތެރިވަމުން. pic.twitter.com/gr7nhyoBZq

— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) November 30, 2025

During these bad weather conditions, another sea incident occurred on Sunday. Four people were injured when a speedboat traveling from Mahibadhoo, Ari Atoll hit a wave and had its front windshield completely shattered.  

Police said the three tourists were treated at Crossroads near Male’. The injured crew member is being treated at ADK Hospital, police said.  

The Maldives Meteorological Service has issued a white alert for the central region, between Thaa Atoll and Raa Atoll. The alert is in effect from 16:30 to 22:30 on Sunday, with winds expected between 19 and 24 mph, and gusts up to 45 mph during thunderstorms.  

Authorities have warned of rough seas, urging vessels to take precautions and avoid non-essential travel.