MNDF begins efforts to remove seaplane fuselage from water

Efforts are under way by Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to remove the submerged fuselage of the Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) seaplane, which crashed into the sea at around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The aircraft crash landed on emergency about two miles off Kuredu Resort in Lhaviyani Atoll. The fuselage was still afloat when a speedboat of Kuredu Resort arrived at the scene minutes after the accident, but all parts except for the two floats sank soon afterwards.

All 11 passengers and 3 crew members were rescued unharmed.

An official of MNDF told Sun Online today that that an operation is under way by their Northern Area Office, to remove the aircraft from the water.

Sources have told Sun Online that MNDF divers were present at the scene of the accident this morning, and that work is ongoing to remove suitcases from the body of the aircraft, to make it easier to pull it out of the water.

Investigations are ongoing by TMA and relevant authorities to determine the cause of the accident.