Crew of sinking cargo boat rescued

A cargo boat has sunk near Kaafu Maadhiggaru reef following engine failure.

Deputy Spokesperson at Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Ali Ihsan said that the 75-ft boat owned by Hawks, named Rahumat, sank at 12:40 p.m. today.

Ihsan said that the crew, one Maldivian and two foreigners, have been picked up unharmed by a Hawks speedboat.

The boat was carrying jumbo bags of goods, but the quantity or value of goods is unknown, said Ihsan.