Fire breaks out in the engine room of a boat traveling from Male’ to Rasgetheemu

A fire has broken out in the engine room of ‘Horizia 2’ – a boat which was traveling from Male’ City to R. Rasgetheemu – late Friday evening.

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) reported that Coastguard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), has commenced efforts to control the fire.

Pictures and videos on social media show the whole boat being engulfed in flames. The fire has yet to be brought under control.

MNDF detailed that the fire broke out while the boat was 3.04 nautical miles north of Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru in Baa Atoll; a tourist resort.

Ten people who were aboard the vessel have been transported to the resort. They are in good health.

MNDF said that a sea ambulance from B. Eydhafushi and a Coasgaurd harbor craft launch from L. Maafilaafushi are en route to the area to provide assistance. 

This incident marks the second major marine accident in just 24 hours.

‘Aalaa’, a raveling from Male’ City to Raa Atoll, sank off B. Eydhafushi early Thursday morning while carrying 15 aboard. The boat was 2.5 nautical miles off Eydhafushi at the time.

Although no crew members and the passengers sustained injuries – none of the goods the boat was carrying at the time could be salvaged.