Boat captain arrested for transporting resort workers in violation of travel ban

Maldives Police Service, on Saturday, arrested the captain of a speedboat who transported workers from a resort to Addu City in violation of the orders of Health Protection Agency (HPA) banning travel of persons between Maldivian islands without a special permit.

According to the police, the speedboat arrived in Hithadhoo, Addu City, at approximately 8:15 am.

The captain had transported the resort workers in violation of the orders of HPA amid the nationwide lockdown, and had failed to take the necessary permits from any State institution, said the police.

According to the police, the crew have been screened by the Addu City taskforce, and cleared of any symptoms of COVID-19. The police said the crew had been released, but did not specify a number.

The case is under further investigation by the police.

All non-essential travel between Maldivian islands has been banned.