Monsoon worsens: sea travelers urged to stay safe

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) issued a safety advisory on Tuesday, citing an intensification of the monsoon and forecasts indicating unsafe sea travel conditions for the next two days.

The MNDF strongly advised individuals undertaking sea travel to exercise extreme caution due to the prevailing rough seas. Consequently, travelers are encouraged to refrain from non-essential sea journeys, and those for whom travel is unavoidable are requested to implement additional precautions during the monsoon season.

ކަނޑު ދަތުރުކުރާ ފަރާތްތަކުން މޫސުމަށް ސަމާލުވުމަށް އިލްތިމާސް ކުރަން.https://t.co/jc6D2dm5gU pic.twitter.com/pGbxLODCPJ

— Maldives National Defence Force (@MNDF_Official) July 29, 2025

The MNDF underscored the importance of avoiding nighttime travel and, should monsoon conditions deteriorate further, refraining entirely from sea travel. Furthermore, the MNDF issued a specific appeal to avoid travel when the Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has issued red or orange alerts.

The Met Office announced on Monday that strong winds and rough seas are anticipated to persist for the ensuing two days, with an improvement in conditions projected by Thursday evening. The Met Office also stated that while northern atolls are expected to experience lighter winds from Tuesday and Wednesday, central atolls will observe calmer conditions commencing Friday.

Notably, government employees have been granted a four-day holiday period starting Saturday in observance of Independence Day. This allowance has led to a significant increase in travel to various destinations. Tuesday marks the resumption of government operations.

While the MNDF has advised caution regarding the weather, past tragedies have occurred during sea voyages undertaken during the monsoon season.