MNDF cautions: Floating cargo hazard near Naifaru after vessel sinks

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has advised travelers near Lhaviyani atoll to exercise caution due to floating cargo from the vessel Nasr, which sank 3.3 nautical miles south of Alhigaa while en route from Male' to Naifaru.

According to MNDF, some of the vessel’s contents are expected to drift eastward, posing navigational hazards. The five crew members aboard Nasr were rescued by the Coast Guard and taken to Naifaru Hospital. The Naifaru Council confirmed on Thursday that all crew members are in stable condition.

The incident occurred amid severe weather conditions linked to the intensifying southwest monsoon. In a separate tragedy, the 100-foot landing craft Almaak Fiya capsized early Thursday near K. Thulhaagiri while traveling from Malé to K. Eriyadhoo. Of the seven crew members aboard, four were rescued, while two of the three initially missing sailors have now been confirmed dead. The deceased include Ahmed Shifan, 38, of GA. Dhaandhoo. The remaining missing crew member is a foreigner.

The Maldives Meteorological Service has forecast strong westerly winds of 19 - 24 mph, gusting up to 45 mph, with wave heights reaching 4 - 7 feet. Yellow alerts remain in effect across multiple regions, and authorities have urged the public to postpone all non-essential sea travel through October 20.

Police and MNDF have reiterated safety protocols for those who must travel: notify relevant authorities, ensure vessels are equipped with life jackets, communication systems, and drainage pumps, and avoid night travel or sailing under active weather warnings.