Stranded Somalis provided temporary shelter from Holhudhoo

Three Somali nationals who were found stranded in an uninhabited island in Noonu Atoll over the weekend have been provided temporary shelter in neighboring Holhudhoo.

The three Somali men were found stranded in Vavathi on Saturday. The dinghy they were on, "Armaajo 1”, was found washed up on the beach.

A police spokesperson said on Sunday morning that the three men were taken to Holhudhoo and provided with temporary shelter there, with assistance from the local council.

The spokesperson added that evidence so far shows the three men were in distress at sea, and drifted to Maldives.

The police have not disclosed any further details.

However, based on photos shared by the police, the men appear to be uninjured.

The Maldives military had previously captured a Somali-flagged fishing boat, after it ventured into the Maldives Exclusive Economic Zone.

While rare, Somalis have drifted to Maldives from time to time. Some were held at the Dhoonidhoo custodial jail, before being repatriated to their home country.

Some political parties, as well as members of the general public, have asked the government to take such incidents more seriously, following the resurgence of Somali piracy.