A ferry boat carrying 48 people sank off the coast of the Maldives after encountering rough seas, with all passengers rescued safely, authorities said on Thursday.
The vessel Huvan was en route from Dhigurah to Male when it began taking on water on March 2. Passengers, including four children, were forced to jump into the sea as water flooded the boat’s engine.
Video footage circulating on social media shows water gushing into the vessel as passengers struggled to inflate faulty life jackets.
Local police said emergency teams were dispatched immediately, ensuring the safe rescue of all 45 passengers and three crew members.
The incident occurred during a yellow weather alert for storms and strong winds, following record rainfall that prompted President Mohamed Muizzu to declare March 3 a public holiday.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the sinking. Footage shared online showed passengers struggling to inflate faulty life jackets before abandoning the vessel.
“We commend the swift response of our rescue teams and all those who assisted in this operation,” police said in a statement.
The Maldives, known for its white sand beaches and luxury resorts, frequently experiences adverse weather conditions during the monsoon season.
