Coast guard vessel providing assistance to the Sri Lankan vessel adrift off the south of Maldives. | Image courtesy of MNDF
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has launched an assistance operation following reports of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel drifting west of Addu City due to an engine failure.
MNDF said the Sri Lankan fishing vessel "Sandali Valentina" was being closely monitored by the coast guard after receiving a distress report from the Sri Lankan authorities.
All of the six crew members onboard the vessel remain in good health, MNDF added.
The MNDF Southern Area Command said the Coast Guard's fast interceptor craft ‘Dhoshimena’ had been dispatched to the area this morning and is now providing assistance to the stranded vessel.