FSM fuel barge wrecks on Nilandhoo reef

A fuel barge belonging to the state fuel company, Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) has run aground on GA. Nilandhoo’s northwest reef.

The fuel barge ran aground on Nilandhoo reef on Sunday morning.

Speaking with Sun, Nilandhoo Council President Nasih Ibrahim stated that efforts are underway to assess extent of the damage to the reef following the incident.

Nasih said FSM had informed an additional vessel from the company would be arriving at the island to refloat the grounded barge and that the company does not require any assistance from the Council for this operation.

No one was injured in the accident, added Nasih. He further said there have been no reports of oil leakage to the sea.

Maldives has previously seen similar incidents of fuel barges wrecking on reefs. Such incidents are followed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducting damage assessments and fining the vessel accordingly.