Safari’s refloating efforts fail: leakage causes damage

Refloating delays of a tipped safari vessel on Meemu atoll Veyvah reef has led to water leakage, causing damage to its furniture and equipment.

The safari ‘Myna 1’ keeled over the reef last Thursday evening carrying 18 passengers and nine crew members.

The vessel’s manager, Mohamed Nasir, spoke with ‘Sun’ confirming two ruptures on its hull and damages to the equipment after the vessel tilted.

Nasir confirmed the passengers were taken to Veyvah on the safari’s accompanying diving vessel. After providing accommodation to them at a nearby resort, all the passengers were transported to Hulhumale’ on Friday evening. The passengers have now boarded another safari vessel in Hulhumale's lagoon.

The manager further said the vessel’s refloating efforts will require another two days.

Veyvah council president Mamdhooh Waheed spoke with ‘Sun’ confirming the vessel’s anchor slipped during stormy weather on Thursday evening, causing the vessel to move from its berthed spot.

Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ibrahim Naeem said the authority is now investigating the incident.