Police have urged vessels navigating waters near Malé to exercise heightened caution after several shipping containers fell into the sea from a Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) barge late Friday night.
According to the Maldives Police Service, the incident occurred near the outer jetty of the Malé Commercial Harbour. Authorities said they were informed by MPL at approximately 11:10 p.m. that a number of containers had fallen overboard and were drifting at sea.
Police believe the containers are likely to drift within the waters between K. Dhoonidhoo and Feydhoofinolhu. Mariners travelling through the area have been advised to remain vigilant and proceed with extra caution until the containers are located and secured.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how many containers entered the sea or what cargo they were carrying.
The incident comes as adverse weather continues to affect the Greater Malé area, with heavy rainfall, rough seas and strong winds reported overnight.
The Maldives Meteorological Service has issued a Red Alert covering the region from Haa Alifu Atoll to Alifu Dhaalu Atoll between 12:15 a.m. and 4:15 a.m. Forecasters expect sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph, alongside very rough sea conditions.
Police have urged all seafarers operating in the affected waters to monitor conditions closely and take the necessary precautions while travelling.
