Vessel Fire Attributed to Electrical Short Leaves One Missing and Causes Over MVR 4 Million Loss
Photo: MNDF
A cargo vessel travelling from Thaa Hirilandhoo reportedly caught fire at sea due to an electrical short, leaving one person missing and causing the complete destruction of the vessel with estimated financial losses of up to MVR 4 million.
The vessel, known as the Holhudhoo Boat, was carrying 18 individuals, including the captain, at the time of the incident. It is owned by Abdul Wahid of N. Holhudhoo and had been leased to an individual from L. Maavah for the past three years. The vessel had been operating between Laamu and Thaa atolls and Malé.
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According to the owner, the fire originated from a standby generator located on the upper deck of the vessel. He stated that the fire was likely triggered by a power shortage, with the ship’s main generator typically engaged only after reaching open waters. The fire spread rapidly once it started.
The missing individual has been identified as 25-year-old Ali Mushfiq Mohamed from L. Maavah. Search efforts are still underway.
The incident occurred during the vessel’s second voyage following recent repair works. Although the vessel was not transporting a large volume of cargo, it was carrying goods including dried meat, pepper, and several motorcycles. The precise number of motorcycles has not been confirmed.
The ship’s cashier was reported to be in an unstable mental condition following the incident.
The vessel was fully destroyed by the fire and eventually sank. It was insured at the time of the incident. Prior to its most recent repairs, the vessel had been insured for MVR 4 million. Estimated losses from the fire are between MVR 4.5 million and MVR 5 million.
