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Five accidents reported at sea within 24 hours, MNDF calls for precautions

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has called on seafarers to take precautions against the weather when travelling as rough seas and high winds are expected over the next few days.

MNDF revealed the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of the Coast Guard has received 5 reports of accidents at sea within the last 24 hours. As such, MNDF revealed a person has been reported missing from a vessel travelling to Mandhoo, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, while another fishing vessel had capsized due to the rough weather, with 9 people on board.

Noting the bad weather is expected to persist over the next 24 hours, MNDF called on seafarers to get the latest information on the weather before beginning a trip and to ensure all safety precautions are taken on the vessels. In this regard, MNDF urged seafarers to ensure lifejackets, communication devices and drainage pumps are present and functioning on the vessel. Boats and vessels have also been asked not to load cargo beyond the capacity and to take special precautions when travelling at night.

Maldives Meteorological Service revealed widespread rain with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected over the country during the next 24 hours. Winds are expected to vary between northwest/northerly at 13-23 miles per hour in the central and northern atolls and at 8-18 miles per hour in south, while winds may gust to 45 miles per hour during showers. Meanwhile, seas are expected to be moderate becoming rough during showers in southern atolls and rough over the rest.

MNDF has requested seafarers to report any accidents at sea to its hotline 191.