Police advise caution following crocodile sighting in Shaviyani atoll

Police have advised people to exercise caution after receiving reports of a crocodile sighting in Shaviyani atoll.

The police spokesperson told Sun Online that a group of fishermen claimed to have seen a crocodile off the island of Shaviyani Funadhoo, and reported the incident at 10:45 p.m. on Saturday.

He said that the claim is under investigation, and advised people to exercise caution in the meantime.

Funadhoo Council President said that the water around the island has been searched following this claim, and there has not been any sign of a crocodile.

Reports of crocodile sightings have increased recently. A ten-foot crocodile was found in the lagoon of Laamu Isdhoo two weeks ago, and search efforts are ongoing by Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) following reports of crocodile sightings near Haa Alifu Hoarafushi and Haa Alifu Filladhoo.