Extensive damage to Hanifaru in boat wreck

A boat wreck on B. Hanifaru – declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – has resulted in extensive damage to the reef.

An official from the Biosphere Reserve reported that “Dhoshi Dhoani 1” had wrecked on Hanifaru – towards the south – on October 24.

The boat had been travelling from Dharavandhoo to Male’ when the incident took place.

The official said the boat was still wrecked on the reef.

“It’s a huge boat wreck. The boats propellers are visible even in high tide. We dived in to check for damage to reef yesterday. And there is damage,” said the official.

He said that a tugboat was operating in the area in an effort to tow the boat.

He said the true extent of the damage could only be assessed once the boat was off the reef.

And that owner of the boat would be fined as per regulation once the extent of damage is determined.

B. Atoll has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2009, with some interest areas declared co-areas.

This includes Hanifaru which is hugely popular with tourists for is diverse marine life.